What Comes after a Preposition: a Noun or a Gerund?

Prepositions

Prepositions are one of the parts of speech in English. They usually can’t be used independently because they don’t express a complete meaning by themselves. This distinguishes prepositions from content words, such as nouns and verbs, whose meanings can often be understood more directly.

For example, one commonly used preposition is “in.” By itself, “in” doesn’t usually express a complete idea. By contrast, a noun such as “apple” at least refers to a thing, even if it doesn’t form a complete sentence on its own.

A preposition normally makes sense only when it is used together with other words.

Take the phrase “an apple on the table.” Here, the preposition “on” shows the relationship between “apple” and “table.” More specifically, it indicates that the apple is located on the table.

Here are some commonly used prepositions:

• in
• on
• at
• under
• above
• through
• beyond
• across
• during

What Can Follow a Preposition

What comes after a preposition is grammatically limited. In most cases, a preposition is followed by a noun or something that functions as a noun, such as a noun phrase, a gerund, or a gerund phrase.

A gerund is an “-ing” form that functions as a noun. For example, in “Eating makes me happy,” “eating” is a gerund, not a main verb. A gerund phrase begins with a gerund and works as a noun as a whole.

So, a preposition is usually followed by a noun or a noun-like expression. Take a look at the following sentences:

Preposition + Noun

She sat on the chair.

• Preposition: on
• Noun: the chair

In this sentence, the preposition “on” is followed by the noun “the chair.” The noun tells us the place related to the action. This is one of the most basic patterns after a preposition.

Preposition + Noun Phrase

We talked about the final exam schedule.

• Preposition: about
• Noun phrase: the final exam schedule

Here, the preposition “about” is followed by the noun phrase “the final exam schedule.” The main noun is “the exam schedule,” and the adjective “final” provide additional information about it. Even though several words appear after the preposition, the whole expression functions as a noun phrase.

Preposition + Gerund

She is interested in learning.

• Preposition: in
• Gerund: learning

In this sentence, the preposition “in” is followed by the gerund “learning.” Although “learning” has the “-ing” form of a verb, it functions as a noun here. This is why it can come after the preposition.

Preposition + Gerund Phrase

He improved by studying every day.

• Preposition: by
• Gerund phrase: studying every day

Here, the preposition “by” is followed by the gerund phrase “studying every day.” The word “studying” is the gerund, and “every day” is added to modify the meaning of the phrase. The whole phrase functions as a noun-like unit after the preposition.

Let’s see another example with a gerund phrase.

She left without saying goodbye.

• Preposition: without
• Gerund phrase: saying goodbye

In this sentence, the preposition “without” is followed by the gerund phrase “saying goodbye.” Because the phrase begins with the gerund “saying,” it functions as a gerund phrase. As we have seen, a gerund phrase can follow a preposition, which is why this sentence is grammatical.

Prepositional Phrases Can Function Like Transition Expressions

Prepositional phrases can sometimes function like transition expressions. Before looking more closely at the structure of prepositional phrases, let us first see how a prepositional phrase can be used in a way similar to a transition expression.

Recently, there have been many game-changing inventions. For example, the iPhone has completely changed the way people communicate.

In this passage, the prepositional phrase “for example” functions in a way similar to a transition expression. It connects the first sentence to the second by signaling that an example is about to follow. Even though it functions like a transition expression, its internal structure is still the same: a preposition followed by a noun or noun-like element. In this case, the noun “example” follows the preposition “for.”

Here’s another example:

Since 1991, I have lived in the United States.

In this sentence, the preposition “since” is followed by the noun “1991,” forming a grammatical prepositional phrase. This phrase indicates the starting point of the time period. In other words, it refers to the year when the speaker began living in the United States.

Important Rules for Using Prepositional Phrases as Transition Expressions

When a prepositional phrase is used as a transition expression, there are several points to keep in mind:

Most prepositional phrases used as transition expressions typically appear at the beginning of a sentence. Although some can also appear in other positions, placing them at the beginning is usually the safest choice if you are unsure. Compare the following two uses of “for example.” In the first sentence, it appears at the beginning. In the second, it appears after the subject and before the verb.

For example, our group members were able to cooperate despite language barriers.

Our group members, for example, were able to cooperate despite language barriers.

The prepositional phrase “for example” can be used both at the beginning of a sentence and in the middle of a clause. In the second sentence, it appears after the subject and before the verb. When a prepositional phrase allows this kind of placement, these positions are both common.