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Master English Grammar

Prepositional Phrases

Learn how to use prepositional phrases like in the middle of, on behalf of, and in charge of to improve your sentence structure.

What Are Prepositional Phrases?

Prepositional phrases are groups of words that begin with a preposition and provide more information about time, place, cause, or manner.

Why Is This Important?

Using prepositional phrases correctly helps you express relationships between ideas and improve sentence clarity.

How to Use Prepositional Phrases

Prepositional phrases typically consist of a preposition and its object (a noun or pronoun). Some common prepositional phrases include:
- In the middle of (describes position or time)
- On behalf of (shows representation)
- In charge of (indicates responsibility)

Common Examples

We were in the middle of a meeting.
She spoke on behalf of the company.
He is in charge of the project.

Key Points

  • Use 'in the middle of' to describe position or ongoing activity
    • We are in the middle of a crisis.
    • She called while I was in the middle of dinner.
  • Use 'on behalf of' to show representation
    • She accepted the award on behalf of the team.
    • He spoke on behalf of the organization.
  • Use 'in charge of' to indicate responsibility
    • He is in charge of training new employees.
    • They put her in charge of the event.

Rules for Using Prepositional Phrases

  • Use 'in the middle of' for location or time-related expressions

    • We were in the middle of an argument.
    • She called in the middle of the night.
    • I stopped reading in the middle of the chapter.

  • Use 'on behalf of' when representing someone or something

    • He accepted the award on behalf of his team.
    • I am writing on behalf of the director.
    • She spoke on behalf of the entire class.

  • Use 'in charge of' to indicate leadership or responsibility

    • She is in charge of customer service.
    • He is in charge of organizing the event.
    • They put me in charge of security.

  • Special Cases & Exceptions:

    Some prepositional phrases have figurative meanings and should not be taken literally.

  • 'In the middle of' can be used for both physical and abstract situations.

    • Physical: He was in the middle of the crowd.
    • Abstract: We are in the middle of a negotiation.

  • 'On behalf of' is used formally and should not be confused with personal opinions.

    • Correct: I am speaking on behalf of the company.
    • Incorrect: I am speaking on behalf of myself.
ExampleTenseUse
We were in the middle of a meeting.Prepositional PhraseDescribes an ongoing activity
She spoke on behalf of the company.Prepositional PhraseRepresents another person or group
He is in charge of the project.Prepositional PhraseIndicates responsibility
They put me in charge of security.Prepositional PhraseDescribes a leadership role

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the creators of these videos. These are publicly available resources used to provide additional information on the topic.