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Preposition And Prepositional Phrase – Quiz 1
Preposition And Prepositional Phrase Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the ability to identify and understand prepositional phrases in sentences, including their function, structure, and role in showing relationships between words. It covers concepts such as single-word vs. multi-word prepositions, location, time, and movement.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
Fill in the missing preposition:The policeman told the journalist that the corrupt politicians were ..... investigation.
A) Through.
B) Under.
C) Behind.
D) With.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct preposition to use in this context is "under." When something is under investigation, it means that the matter is being examined or looked into by authorities or investigators. Therefore, the sentence should read: "The corrupt politicians were
under
investigation."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Through - This preposition does not fit well with the context of an ongoing examination or inquiry.
Option B:
Under - Correct. It indicates that the politicians are being examined by investigators.
Option C:
Behind - This implies a hidden or secret action, which is not appropriate here.
Option D:
With - This preposition does not fit well with the context of an ongoing examination or inquiry.
2.
Select the prepositional phrase(s) from the sentence below. Mark ALL that apply.The cars outside my window are so loud that they keep me awake.
A) Outside my window.
B) That they keep me awake.
C) Are so loud.
D) The cars.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A prepositional phrase consists of a preposition followed by its object, which can be a noun, pronoun, or gerund (verb form used as a noun). In the given sentence, "Outside my window" is a prepositional phrase because it includes the preposition "outside" and its object "my window."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. It is a prepositional phrase.
Option B:
Incorrect. This is an adverbial clause, not a prepositional phrase.
Option C:
Incorrect. This is the main verb and its subject complement, not a prepositional phrase.
Option D:
Incorrect. This is a noun phrase, not a prepositional phrase.
3.
What is the preposition in this sentence?The little brown and white dog ran around the playground.
A) Little.
B) And.
C) Ran.
D) Around.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition in the sentence "The little brown and white dog ran around the playground" is
D) Around.
A preposition shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in the sentence. In this case, "around" indicates the location relative to the playground.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Little is an adjective describing the dog's appearance; it does not show a relationship.
Option B:
And is a conjunction used for joining words, phrases, or clauses; it does not indicate location or relationship.
Option C:
Ran is a verb indicating action and does not function as a preposition in this sentence.
Option D:
Around correctly functions as a preposition showing the dog's movement relative to the playground.
4.
Identify the PREPOSITION used in each sentence.Please take your elbows off the table.
A) Takes.
B) Please.
C) Table.
D) Off.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition in the sentence "Please take your elbows off the table" is
off
. A preposition shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in the sentence, indicating position, time, direction, etc. Here, "off" indicates the movement away from the surface of the table.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Takes - Verb, not a preposition.
Option B:
Please - Adverb, not a preposition.
Option C:
Table - Noun, not a preposition.
Option D:
Off - Correct preposition indicating position or movement away from the table's surface.
5.
How many prepositional phrases?Everyone except Lucy can go to the dance after school tomorrow.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Everyone except Lucy can go to the dance after school tomorrow" contains three prepositional phrases:
- "except Lucy"
- "to the dance"
- "after school"
Each of these phrases begins with a preposition and functions as a unit within the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The sentence has more than two prepositional phrases.
Option B:
Correct. The sentence contains three prepositional phrases.
Option C:
Incorrect. The sentence does not have only one prepositional phrase.
Option D:
Incorrect. The sentence has more than four prepositional phrases.
6.
Choose the preposition that can replace "across" without changing the meaning of the following sentence: "Mike ran across the park without stopping to play."
A) Behind.
B) Between.
C) Through.
D) After.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Through" is the correct answer because it accurately conveys that Mike ran from one side of the park to the other, implying a passage through the entire area without stopping. "Across" and "through" are often used interchangeably in this context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Behind" suggests running towards or away from something, not necessarily passing through an area.
Option B:
"Between" implies being situated in the space of two things but doesn't fully capture the idea of moving entirely across a larger area like a park.
Option C:
"Through" is correct as explained above.
Option D:
"After" indicates following or pursuing something, which does not fit the context of running through an area.
7.
Identify the PREPOSITION used in each sentence.They go to bed at 10 PM.
A) To.
B) Go.
C) 10 PM.
D) They.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition in the sentence "They go to bed at 10 PM." is "to". This word indicates the direction or purpose of their action, showing where or when they are going.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "To" is a preposition indicating direction or purpose.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Go" is a verb and not a preposition.
Option C:
Incorrect. "10 PM." is a time phrase, not a preposition.
Option D:
Incorrect. "They" is a pronoun, not a preposition.
8.
How many prepositional phrases are in the following sentence? Enter the number of prepositional phrases.On Wednesday, we celebrated at my mom's house for two hours.
A) One.
B) Two.
C) Four.
D) Three.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "On Wednesday, we celebrated at my mom's house for two hours." contains three prepositional phrases:
-
On Wednesday
: This phrase modifies the verb and indicates when the action took place.
-
at my mom's house
: This phrase specifies where the celebration occurred.
-
for two hours
: Although this is not a traditional prepositional phrase, it functions similarly by providing additional information about duration. However, for the purpose of this question, we will consider only the prepositional phrases.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect because there are more than one prepositional phrases.
Option B:
Incorrect because it does not account for all prepositional phrases in the sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect as it underestimates the number of prepositional phrases present.
Option D:
Correct, as it accurately identifies three prepositional phrases:
On Wednesday
,
at my mom's house
.
9.
Which of the following is not a compound preposition?
A) During.
B) As of.
C) By means of.
D) Because of.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"During" is not a compound preposition because it consists of only one word, whereas the other options are made up of two or more words combined to form a single prepositional phrase that functions as a unit in a sentence. Compound prepositions include "as of," "by means of," and "because of."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
During - Single word, not a compound preposition.
Option B:
As of - Compound preposition.
Option C:
By means of - Compound preposition.
Option D:
Because of - Compound preposition.
10.
Which of the following is a correct example of a prepositional phrase showing time?
A) At the store.
B) Before the class.
C) On the roof.
D) Over the wall.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A prepositional phrase showing time indicates when an action occurs. Option B, "Before the class," correctly identifies a point in time relative to an event (the class).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
At the store - Indicates location, not time.
Option B:
Before the class - Correct example of a prepositional phrase showing time.
Option C:
On the roof - Indicates location, not time.
Option D:
Over the wall - Indicates location, not time.
11.
Identify the PREPOSITION used in each sentence.You can see the city with the binoculars.
A) Can-.
B) City.
C) With.
D) Binoculars.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition in the sentence "You can see the city with the binoculars." is "with". It indicates the means by which the action (seeing the city) is performed.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Can - This word functions as an auxiliary verb and does not indicate a relationship between nouns or pronouns.
Option B:
City - This noun is the object of the sentence but is not used to show a relationship with another element in the sentence.
Option C:
With - Correct. It shows how the action (seeing) is performed, indicating means or manner.
Option D:
Binoculars - This noun provides additional information about what is used but does not function as a preposition in this sentence.
12.
Identify the preposition that tells DIRECTION in the sentence below.The football rolled down the hill.
A) Hill.
B) Down.
C) Rolled.
D) The.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition that tells direction in the sentence "The football rolled down the hill" is
down
. This word indicates the movement of the football towards a lower position, specifying the direction of its roll.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Hill refers to the object on which the action occurs but does not indicate direction.
Option B:
Correct. "Down" specifies the direction of movement.
Option C:
Rolled is a verb describing the action, not a preposition indicating direction.
Option D:
The is an article and does not indicate direction.
13.
Choose the prepositional phrase that can BEST be added to the following sentence: "The clouds began to form."
A) In the dark sky.
B) Next to the dark sky.
C) With the dark sky.
D) Beside the dark sky.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Option A: In the dark sky." is correct because "in" is used to indicate a location within an area, which fits well with the idea of clouds forming in a particular sky. The phrase "In the dark sky" clearly indicates where the action (clouds beginning to form) took place.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "In" is used for location within an area.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Next to" implies proximity but not necessarily the location where the action occurs.
Option C:
Incorrect. "With" suggests accompaniment rather than a specific location.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Beside" also implies proximity, not the exact location of the clouds forming.
14.
What is the preposition in the sentence below? The unicorns ran through the Bubble Gum Rain Forest.
A) Ran.
B) Bubble gum.
C) The.
D) Through.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition in the sentence "The unicorns ran through the Bubble Gum Rain Forest" is
through
. A preposition shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in the sentence, indicating how something happens. In this case, "through" indicates the manner in which the unicorns moved.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Ran is a verb, not a preposition.
Option B:
Bubble gum is part of the noun phrase but not a preposition.
Option C:
The is an article, not a preposition.
Option D:
Through is correctly identified as the preposition in this sentence.
15.
A ..... is a group of words that starts with a preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun.
A) Preposition.
B) Prepositional phrase.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A prepositional phrase is a group of words that starts with a preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun. This structure functions as a single unit in the sentence, often modifying other parts of the sentence by providing additional information about time, place, direction, etc.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Preposition is just one word, not a group of words starting with a preposition and ending with a noun or pronoun.
Option B:
Correct. It accurately describes the structure mentioned in the question.
Option C:
Incorrect as it includes Option A which is not correct based on the definition provided.
Option D:
Incorrect because "Prepositional phrase" fits the description given in the question.
16.
He buys notebook after the class. Which of the following is the object of the preposition in the sentence.
A) Class.
B) Buys.
C) After.
D) The.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "after" in the sentence "He buys notebook after the class." introduces a time relationship, indicating when the action of buying notebooks occurs relative to an event (the class). The object of this preposition is "the class," which specifies what happens after.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Class. Correct. "The class" is the object of the preposition "after."
Option B:
Buys. Incorrect. The verb "buys" is not the object of a preposition in this sentence.
Option C:
After. Incorrect. "After" is the preposition itself, not its object.
Option D:
The. Incorrect. "The" is an article and not the object of the preposition.
17.
Choose the part of the following sentence that is the prepositional phrase: "I always eat popcorn at the movies."
A) I always.
B) At.
C) Eat popcorn.
D) At the movies.
Show Answer
Explanations:
At the movies is a prepositional phrase because it includes a preposition ("at") and its object ("the movies"), functioning as an adjective modifying "popcorn" to indicate where the action takes place.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This option does not contain a preposition, so it cannot be a prepositional phrase.
Option B:
While this is a preposition, it alone does not form a complete prepositional phrase without its object ("the movies").
Option C:
This is the main verb and direct object of the sentence, not a prepositional phrase.
Option D:
Correct. It includes "at" (preposition) and "the movies" (object), forming a complete prepositional phrase that modifies "popcorn".
18.
Susan ran behind the bushes when she played hide and seek.
A) When she played.
B) Susan ran behind.
C) Played hide and seek.
D) Behind the bushes.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Behind the bushes.
This option identifies a prepositional phrase, which consists of "behind" (the preposition) and "the bushes" (the object of the preposition). In the sentence, Susan ran behind the bushes, "behind the bushes" functions as a prepositional phrase describing where she hid.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This option is incorrect because it does not identify a specific part of speech or phrase in the sentence. It refers to when Susan played, which is an adverbial clause.
Option B:
While "Susan ran behind" includes a preposition, it is incomplete as a phrase and describes the action rather than where she hid.
Option C:
This option is incorrect because "Played hide and seek" is a verb phrase that does not indicate location or time.
Option D:
Correct. It identifies "Behind the bushes," which is a prepositional phrase indicating Susan's hiding place.
19.
Which of the following is a preposition?
A) Light.
B) Bounce.
C) From.
D) Them.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C) From is a preposition. Prepositions are words that show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other parts of the sentence, such as indicating time, place, direction, or movement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Light is a noun.
Option B:
Bounce can be a verb or a noun depending on context.
Option C:
From is a preposition.
Option D:
Them is a pronoun.
20.
What is the prepositional phrase in the sentence below? Our family attends worship service on Sundays?
A) Attends.
B) Our family.
C) On Sundays.
D) Worship service.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The prepositional phrase in the sentence "Our family attends worship service on Sundays" is
on Sundays
. A prepositional phrase consists of a preposition and its object, which together function as an adjective or adverb. In this case, "on Sundays" functions as an adverb modifying how often the family attends the worship service.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Attends - This is a verb and not a prepositional phrase.
Option B:
Our family - This is a noun phrase, not a prepositional phrase.
Option C:
On Sundays - Correct. It includes the preposition "on" and its object "Sundays," functioning as an adverbial phrase.
Option D:
Worship service - This is a noun phrase, not a prepositional phrase.
21.
What is the preposition in this sentence?My dog curls up with me every day.
A) Up.
B) Curls.
C) With.
D) Every.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition in the sentence "My dog curls up with me every day" is
with
. A preposition shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in the sentence, indicating how they are related in space, time, or logic. In this case, "with" indicates that your dog curls up alongside you.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Up is not a preposition; it's an adverb modifying the verb "curls."
Option B:
Curls is a verb, not a preposition.
Option C:
With is the correct answer as it shows the relationship between you and your dog in the sentence.
Option D:
Every is an adjective modifying "day," indicating frequency; it's not a preposition.
22.
How many prepositional phrases are in the following sentence?During our math test, I kept hearing strange noises in the ceiling.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "During our math test, I kept hearing strange noises in the ceiling." contains two prepositional phrases: "During our math test" and "in the ceiling."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The sentence has two prepositional phrases.
Option B:
Incorrect. The sentence does not have only one prepositional phrase.
Option C:
Incorrect. The sentence does not have three prepositional phrases.
Option D:
Incorrect. The sentence does not have four prepositional phrases.
23.
Identify the PREPOSITION used in each sentence.Our dog is under the table.
A) Our.
B) Table.
C) Dog.
D) Under.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition in the sentence "Our dog is under the table" is
D) Under.
A preposition shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in the sentence. In this case, "under" indicates where the dog is located relative to the table.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Our" is a possessive adjective, not a preposition.
Option B:
"Table" is a noun, not a preposition.
Option C:
"Dog" is a noun, not a preposition.
Option D:
Correct. "Under" is the preposition indicating location.
24.
Find the preposition in the sentence below. She heel clicked twice in the air.
A) She heel clicked.
B) Twice.
C) In the air.
D) Clicked twice.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition in the sentence "She heel clicked twice in the air" is "in". The phrase "in the air" indicates where the action (heel clicking) took place, making it a prepositional phrase.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "She heel clicked" is not a complete sentence and does not contain a preposition.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Twice" is an adverb indicating the number of times, not a preposition.
Option C:
Correct. "In the air" is a prepositional phrase where "in" is the preposition specifying location.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Clicked twice" does not contain a preposition.
25.
TRUE or FALSE:Prepositional phrases are EXTRA and may be removed from a sentence.
A) TRUE.
B) FALSE.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Prepositional phrases are often considered optional in a sentence because they can be removed without changing the basic meaning of the sentence. For example, in "The cat sleeps on the couch," the phrase "on the couch" is a prepositional phrase that provides additional information but is not essential to the core meaning.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Prepositional phrases can be removed without altering the fundamental meaning of the sentence.
Option B:
Incorrect. While prepositional phrases are often optional, they cannot always be completely removed from a sentence and still maintain its original meaning.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option is not applicable as only one correct answer exists for this question.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
26.
What is the object of the preposition?During the last class the teacher expected us to write 30 minutes nonstop.
A) Last.
B) Write.
C) During.
D) Class.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "during" in the sentence indicates a time frame during which an action occurs. The object of this preposition is "class," as it specifies when the teacher expected us to write nonstop.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Last - Irrelevant to the prepositional phrase.
Option B:
Write - The verb, not the object of "during."
Option C:
During - This is a preposition, not its object.
Option D:
Class - Correct; it's the object of the preposition "during."
27.
Identify the preposition that tells TIME in the sentence below.She had dance lessons at five o'clock.
A) Five o'clock.
B) At.
C) Lessons.
D) Dance.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition that tells time in the sentence "She had dance lessons at five o'clock" is
at
. The word "at" introduces a point in time, specifically "five o'clock," indicating when the action took place.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Five o'clock refers to the specific time but does not function as a preposition. It is the object of the preposition "at."
Option B:
Correct. The word "at" functions as a preposition, indicating the point in time when the action occurred.
Option C:
Lessons are the object of the verb "had," not related to telling time.
Option D:
Dance is part of the noun phrase but does not indicate time.
28.
Identify the preposition in this sentence:I listened to their comments.
A) To.
B) Listened.
C) Their.
D) I.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition in the sentence "I listened to their comments" is
to
. Prepositions are words that show relationships between nouns, pronouns, and other words in a sentence. In this case, "to" indicates the direction or object of the action (listening).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The preposition is "to".
Option B:
Incorrect. "Listened" is a verb.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Their" is a possessive pronoun.
Option D:
Incorrect. "I" is the subject of the sentence.
29.
Identify the PREPOSITION used in each sentence.We hiked about two miles.
A) Two.
B) Miles.
C) About.
D) Hiked.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition in the sentence "We hiked about two miles" is
"about"
. A preposition shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in the sentence, indicating location, direction, time, etc. In this case, "about" indicates an approximate distance.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Two is a numeral, not a preposition.
Option B:
Miles is the object of the preposition and not a preposition itself.
Option C:
About functions as a preposition here, showing an approximate distance.
Option D:
Hiked is a verb, not a preposition.
30.
Which preposition can be used to show location?
A) At.
B) On.
C) In.
D) From.
Show Answer
Explanations:
At is used to show location when referring to a specific point, place, or position. For example: "The book is at the desk."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. At shows specific location.
Option B:
On refers to surfaces or positions above something. Example: "The cat is on the table."
Option C:
In indicates being inside a container, space, or area. Example: "The pen is in the drawer."
Option D:
From shows origin or source. Example: "We came from the library."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a preposition?
A preposition shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence, indicating location, direction, time, or manner.
How do you identify a prepositional phrase?
A prepositional phrase starts with a preposition and ends with a noun or pronoun, often describing where, when, why, or how something happens.
What are some common types of prepositions?
Common types include location (e.g., in, on), directional (e.g., to, from), and time (e.g., at, by).
Can a preposition be part of a compound word?
Yes, some words that include a preposition are combined with other parts of speech to form compound words or phrases (e.g., afterthought, in-between).
How do prepositional phrases function in sentences?
Prepositional phrases provide additional information about the action or state of a noun or verb, often describing when, where, why, or how something occurs.