PRESBYTERIAN UNIVERSITY OF EAST AFRICA.

COURSE TITLE: DESCRIPTION OF MODERN ENGLISH.

UNIT CODE:AEN 210.

TASK:1A.) DISCUSS THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF PREPOSITIONS IN ENGLISH.(10MKS)

B.) DISCUSS THE STRUCTURE OF PREPOSITIONAL PHRASES.(10MKS.)

LECTURER:DR CHEGE.

GROUP 1 MEMBERS.

1.Ernest Kiiru Maingi-X35/GV/12286/2022.

2.Hilda mukami -X35/GV/12371/2022.

3.Brian Mureti mutwiri- X35/GV/12336/2022.

4. Emily Mwendwa- X35/GV/12348/2022.

5.Kiio Michael Mweu-XGV/12317/2022.

6.Phoebe Ogonda- X35/GV/12325/2022.

7.Davine Nyaboke- X35/GV/13615/2022.

8.Ochieng Steven Ochieng- X35/GV/12671/2022.

9.Abigail pkomoi- X35/GV/12400/2022.

10.Collins murerwa-X35/GV/12347/2022.
1.a.) Discuss the structure and function of prepositions in English.

The structure of prepositions in English typically involves a single word that establishes a relationship
between elements in a sentence.A preposition is usually followed by its object, forming a prepositional
phrase.The basic structure is: Preposition + Object of the Preposition.

For example:i.)In the park.

ii.)on the table.

The Preposition, which indicates the relationship,is followed by the noun or pronoun serving as its
object.This structure provides clarity in expressing spatial,temporal or relational connections within a
sentence.

Prepositions in English serve various functions, including:

i.)Showing Location or Direction:

Examples: She is {in} the park.

He walked{towards} the river.

ii.)Expressing Time:

Examples: We'll meet {at} 3 o'clock.

The party is{during} the weekend.

iii.)Indicating Relationships:

Examples: The book{on} the shelf.

The cat is{beside} the table.

iv.)Demonstrating Possession:

Examples: The key {of} the car.

The house{belongs to} John.

v.)Connecting Ideas:

Examples: She is successful{because of} her hard work.

They went on a trip{with} their friends.

vi.)Introducing Objects in Relation to Verbs:

Example: He is good{at} playing the guitar.

Understanding these functions helps in using prepositions accurately and conveying precise meaning in
English communication.

2.b).Discuss the structure of prepositional phrases

Prepositional phrases (PPs) are syntactic structures within sentences that consist of a preposition and its
object, possibly accompanied by modifiers. The basic structure of a prepositional phrase involves:

Preposition (P): This is the main element in a prepositional phrase. Prepositions are words that establish
a relationship between their object and another element in the sentence, often indicating location,
direction, time, or other relationships. Examples include "in," "on," "at," "with," "under," and so on.

Object (NP or Noun Phrase): The object of the preposition can be a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase that
follows the preposition and is governed by it. It answers questions like "Where?" or "When?" in relation
to the preposition.

Modifiers: These elements provide additional details about the object within the prepositional phrase.
Modifiers can include adjectives, adverbs, or other prepositional phrases. They serve to enhance or
specify the meaning of the object.

The structure of a prepositional phrase can vary in complexity based on the number and types of
modifiers attached to the object. Prepositional phrases add descriptive or relational information to a
sentence, specifying locations, times, manners, and other important details.

For instance:

"In the garden" (Preposition: "in"; Object: "garden")

"On the table" (Preposition: "on"; Object: "table")

"With great care" (Preposition: "with"; Object: "care"; Modifier: "great")

Understanding the structure of prepositional phrases is crucial for constructing grammatically correct
sentences and conveying precise relationships between different elements within a sentence.