prepositionsfunction

Prepositions function, in linguistic terms, refers to the grammatical role of prepositions and the prepositional phrases they head in natural languages. A preposition is a closed class word that introduces a complement, usually a noun phrase or pronoun, forming a prepositional phrase (PP). The PP then attaches to another element to supply information about spatial, temporal, or other relations.

Common functions include spatial relations (in the room, on the table), directional relations (toward the park, away from home), temporal relations (during the meeting, after lunch), instrumental or means (with a key, by force), cause (because of rain), purpose (for study), and manner or measure (by hand, at speed).

Syntax and usage: In many languages the preposition is the head of the PP and the object of the preposition completes its meaning. The PP can modify a noun (a book on the table) or function as an adverbial or complement to a verb (she arrived after noon). Many languages also express relationships with postpositions rather than prepositions, or with case marking rather than dedicated function words.

Cross-linguistic variation: Some languages have extensive case systems; others rely heavily on prepositions; in some languages prepositions may require agreement or cliticization. In English, many prepositions participate in phrasal verbs when combined with a particle (look up, set out) whose meaning diverges from the preposition alone.