LoginObjects of Prepositions
In this lesson, master objects of prepositions, which are essential parts of a sentence that complete the meaning of prepositions. Clear explanations and practice exercises to help you learn.
What Are Objects of Prepositions?
While some verbs directly take an object as their complement, some others need an object of preposition. In other words, these verbs need to connect to their objects through a preposition.
Verb Complements
There are different types of verb complements in English. Direct objects complement transitive verbs while a combination of direct and indirect objects is necessary for ditransitive verbs to make sense. There is a third group, that of objects of prepositions which complement specific verbs, either on their own, or in combination with a direct object. Look at the examples:
She read the book.
a direct object
He gave his friend a gift.
indirect object + direct object
They agreed on the proposal.
object of preposition
Objects of Prepositions: Usage
An object of preposition can be used on its own or in combination with another verb complement, that is, a direct object or another object of preposition.
A Single Object of Preposition
Some verbs only need a single preposition and its object as their complement. In such cases, the verb and the preposition are sometimes separable.
He relies on his team.
She took off her shoes.
You can also say "she took her shoes off", so this is a separable combination
Direct Object + Object of Preposition
Sometimes, both a direct object and an object of preposition are required for the verb to express its intended meaning. In these cases, the verb and the preposition are separated by the direct object. For example:
They convinced my partner of their sincerity.
The therapist referred me to another specialist.
Object of Preposition + Object of Preposition
Sometimes, a verb needs two complements and both are objects of preposition. Although this pattern is relatively less common that the ones discussed so far, it is nonetheless a valid construction. Look at the examples:
She talked to her friend about the project.
We all agreed with the coach about the need for more praactice.
Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs are special forms where the combination of a verb and the object of preposition creates an idiomatic meaning. In other words, the meaning expressed by the combination of the verb and its complement is not the same as the sum of their individual meanings. Here are some examples:
We ran into an old friend.
To "run into an old friend" means to meet them by chance. This meaning cannot be inferred from the separate meaning of "run" and "into".
She looks after her brother.
To "look after her brother" means to take care of them. Again, this meaning is not the sum of the meanings of "look" and "after".
Passive Structures
One of the characteristics distinguishing these verb complements from adverbial and modifying prepositional phrases is that the object of the preposition is an obligatory element of the sentence and can become the subject of the sentence in the passive voice. Keep in mind that when the sentence becomes passive, only the object of preposition moves to the subject position while the preposition remains in its original position. Look at the examples:
We dealt with the issue quickly. → The issue was dealt with quickly.
They referred to the book in their report. → The book was referred to in their report.
She looked after the children. → The children were looked after.
Exception
Some verbs do require an object of preposition, but the sentence cannot be made passive. This is due to the nature of the verbs and does not mean that the object of preposition is not a verb complement. For example, stative verbs cannot be made passive. Here are some examples:
This book belongs to Sarah. → Sarah is belonged to.
"belong" is a verb of state, so it cannot be made passive.
He constantly worries about his future. → His future is worried about.
Review
'Objects of prepositions' are a type of verb complement that are formed by a preposition and a pronoun or noun phrase. These structures can complement the verb on their own or in combination with a direct object or another object of preposition.
Quiz:
Which sentence contains both a direct object and an object of preposition?
The teacher assigned us a project.
They talked about the problem.
The doctor referred her to a specialist.
He relied on his experience.
Sort the words to make a sentence with two objects of preposition.
Match each sentence to the correct type of verb complement.
Which sentence contains a phrasal verb?
He walked to the park with his dog.
She ran into her cousin at the café.
They talked about the project for hours.
I looked at the painting carefully.
Fill the blanks with the passive form of the sentences.
They agreed on the proposal. →
.
Their grandmother looked after the children. →
by their grandparents.
She referred to the groundbreaking research in her lecture. →
in her lecture
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