Adpositional phrase

An adpositional phrase is a linguistics term defining a syntactic category that includes prepositional phrases and postpositional phrases. Adpositional phrases contain an adposition in the head position and usually a complement such as a noun phrase. Language syntax treats adpositional phrases as units that act as complements or adjuncts.

Postpositional and prepositional phrases differ by the order of the words used. Head-first languages such as English normally use prepositional phrases while head-final languages use postpositional.

IP / NP VP | | N V | | PP She is / / P NP | / on Det N | | the computer. Where by convention: IP = Inflectional phrase (sentence) ...

Prepositional phrases

The bolded phrases are examples of prepositional phrases in English:

• She is on the computer. (She is using the computer.) <!-- This should be replaced here and especially in the diagram with an example that doesn't need to be explained to non-native speakers -->
• Haziq could hear her across the room.
• David walked down the ramp.
• They walked to their school.
• Dylan ate in the kitchen.

Prepositional phrases have a preposition as the head of the phrase.

The first example could be diagrammed (using simplified modern notation):

<pre>

  IP
 /  

NP VP| | N V | | PPShe is /

       /    
       P     NP
       |    /  
       on  Det  N
           |    |
           the  computer

</pre>

Where by convention:

• IP = Inflectional phrase (sentence)
• NP......
...

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