351. Multiple Prepositional Phrases

Sometimes we us two or three prepositional phrases in a row. Each prepositional phrase begins with a preposition and ends with an object of the preposition.

Here is an example of multiple prepositional phrases in one sentence:
That book is on the shelf in our classroom.
This sentence has two prepositional phrases: on the shelf and in our classroom.
Notice the prepositions on and in. The objects of the preposition are shelf and classroom.

Here are more sentences with multiple prepositional phrases:
We drove over the bridge onto the highway.
Two prepositional phrases: over the bridge, onto the highway.

My little brother ran down the stairs into the basement.
Two prepositional phrases: down the stairs, into the basement

Janet gave the box with my name on it to her mother.
Three prepositional phrases: with my name, on it, to her mother

It’s good to remember that you can use multiple prepositional phrases all in a row inside a sentence. Each prepositional phrase will begin with a preposition and end with an object of the preposition.

  • Now you try it. Count the prepositional phrases in this sentence. I stood with Jim under the giant picture on the wall. Did you find three phrases? Good for you!