Prepositions and Phrases — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. Which sentence shows the BEST use of multiple prepositional phrases for description?
A) The boat floated on the lake near the dock at sunset under a pink sky.
B) The boat floated.
C) The boat was on water.
D) Boats float.
Option A stacks four phrases to paint a vivid picture of where and when the boat floated.
2. Which is a clause, not a prepositional phrase?
A) On the shelf
B) Although it rained, we played
C) Across the field
D) By the door
Although it rained, we played has subjects and verbs; the others are prepositional phrases.
3. Which question avoids a stranded preposition in formal writing?
A) Who did you give it to?
B) What is this for?
C) To whom did you give the book?
D) Where did you come from?
To whom did you give the book? keeps to with whom, avoiding a stranded preposition.
4. How many prepositional phrases are in 'During recess, the kids ran across the playground to the swings'?
A) One
B) Two
C) Three
D) Four
During recess, across the playground, and to the swings make three prepositional phrases.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. Rewrite to avoid a stranded preposition: 'Where are you from?' becomes 'From where are you?'
From where keeps the preposition beside its question word, avoiding a stranded form.
2. Add a phrase: 'The bird sang' becomes 'The bird sang in the tree' (use a location preposition).
In the tree adds a prepositional phrase that tells where the bird sang in the scene.
3. A phrase has no verb and no subject, but a clause has both.
Clauses always have a subject and verb; that is how they differ from simple phrases.
4. Write a sentence with three phrases: The book sat on the desk under the lamp in the morning.
On, under, and in start three prepositional phrases that show place and time clearly.
5. Formal writing avoids ending sentences with a preposition when possible.
Prepositions should sit beside their objects in formal writing for clearer, polished sentences.