Exploring Prepositional Phrases: A Guide to Enhancing Your English Fluency

Discover the Power of Prepositional Phrases

Prepositional phrases are crucial components of the English language, offering a way to provide more detail and clarity in sentences. These phrases typically consist of a preposition followed by a noun or pronoun, helping to express relationships between different parts of a sentence, such as location, time, and manner. In this lesson, we'll explore various prepositional phrases, understand their meanings and learn how to use them effectively in sentences. By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to add depth and precision to your English conversations, enhancing both your comprehension and fluency.

Useful Vocabulary for Prepositional Phrases

1. At high speed - Moving quickly.
   • The car raced past at high speed.
2. At risk - In danger or likely to experience harm.
   • Patients with low immunity are at risk of infection.
3. At one's side - Close to someone, offering support or companionship.
   • She had her loyal friend at her side during tough times.
4. At a fraction of - For a very small part of the overall cost or value.
   • I bought this antique vase at a fraction of its original price.
5. At the outset - From the beginning.
   • At the outset of the project, we set clear goals.
6. At the end - Conclusion or the final part.
   • At the end of the book, the mystery was solved.
7. At sight - Immediately upon seeing.
   • He loved her at sight.
8. At the double - To move quickly; at a fast pace.
   • The soldiers moved at the double when ordered.
9. At one time - Simultaneously; at the same period.
   • At one time, he was considered the best in his field.
10. At a disadvantage - In an unfavorable position.
    • Without the right tools, we are at a disadvantage.
11. At a discount - Reduced in price.
    • Members can buy tickets at a discount.
12. At a distance - Not close; far away.
    • She observed the scene at a distance.
13. At a glance - With a quick look.
    • I knew at a glance that something was wrong.
14. At a guess - An estimate without certain knowledge.
    • At a guess, I'd say there were around 100 people there.
15. At a loose end - Having nothing to do.
    • With the project finished, I'm at a loose end.
16. At a loss - Unsure; confused.
    • I'm at a loss for what to do next.
17. At a low ebb - In a declined state.
    • His spirits were at a low ebb after the news.
18. At a moment's notice - With very little warning.
    • Be ready to leave at a moment's notice.
19. At a price - Available but requiring a sacrifice or concession.
    • Success is achievable, but at a price.
20. At a rate of - Measured by a specific amount within a given timeframe.
    • The tree grows at a rate of 6 inches per year.
21. At a speed of - Moving or operating at a certain speed.
    • The plane was flying at a speed of 500 miles per hour.
22. At a standstill - Completely stopped; motionless.
    • Traffic was at a standstill during the rush hour.
23. At all costs - No matter what the cost or effort is.
    • Protect the environment at all costs.
24. At all events - Whatever happens.
    • At all events, I'll be there for you.
25. At an advantage - In a favorable position.
    • With insider knowledge, she was at an advantage.
26. At any cost - Similar to at all costs, emphasizing the need to achieve something despite potential sacrifices.
    • We must finish the project on time, at any cost.
27. At any rate - Regardless of what has been said or done.
    • At any rate, we need to make a decision now.
28. At breakfast - During the morning meal.
    • We discussed the plan at breakfast.
29. At ease - Feeling relaxed; without stress.
    • He felt at ease in her company.
30. At face value - Accepting something exactly as it appears without questioning it.
    • Don't take his comments at face value; there's often a deeper meaning.
31. At heart - Essentially; fundamentally.
    • She is an adventurer at heart.
32. At home - In one's own house or place of residence.
    • I feel most at ease when I'm at home.
33. At random - Without a specific pattern, plan, or system.
    • Questions were selected at random.
34. At sea - Confused or not understanding something.
    • I was completely at sea with the new software.
35. At the front of - Located at the leading part or beginning.
    • He stood at the front of the queue.
36. At the age of - When someone is a specific age.
    • She started playing piano at the age of five.
37. At the beginning - The initial stage of something.
    • At the beginning of the movie, the character is introduced.
38. At the expense of - Resulting in the loss or detriment of something else.
    • He pursued his dreams at the expense of his health.
39. At the foot of - Located at the bottom part.
    • The village lies at the foot of the mountain.
40. At the hands of - By the actions of someone.
    • The hero faced defeat at the hands of the villain.
41. At the height of - At the peak or maximum level.
    • At the height of summer, the days are longest.
42. At the latest - No later than the time mentioned.
    • I need the report by 5 pm at the latest.
43. At the mercy of - Under the control of; vulnerable to.
    • Sailors are often at the mercy of the weather.
44. At the peak of - At the highest point or level.
    • He was at the peak of his career when he retired.
45. At the same time - Concurrently; simultaneously.
    • It's hard to listen and write at the same time.
46. At the thought of - When considering or thinking about something.
    • She smiled at the thought of seeing him again.
47. At the time of - During the moment or period.
    • At the time of the accident, no one was in the vehicle.
48. At the top of - Positioned at the highest part.
    • The flag flew proudly at the top of the pole.
49. At this juncture - At this particular point in time.
    • At this juncture, we need to make a strategic decision.
50. At one's discretion - According to someone's judgment or choice.
    • Funds can be allocated at one's discretion.
51. At one's disposal - Available for one's use or management.
    • He had a vast library at his disposal.
52. At one's leisure - When one has free time; without hurry.
    • Please review the documents at your leisure.
53. At one's request - Because someone has asked for it.
    • The investigation was launched at her request.

Conclusion / Summary and Takeaways

Today's lesson on prepositional phrases has opened up a world of possibilities for enhancing your English conversation skills. By understanding and incorporating these phrases into your daily language, you're not only expanding your vocabulary but also improving your ability to express yourself more clearly and effectively.

Key phrases like "at risk," "at a glance," and "at the mercy of" enrich your sentences, providing clarity and depth to your communication. Remember, the beauty of language learning lies in the details, and mastering these prepositional phrases is a significant step toward fluency.

To aid in remembering these phrases, consider drawing pictures or creating mind-maps that associate each phrase with its meaning or a sentence. Sticky notes placed around your living or study area can also serve as quick and constant reminders. Moreover, try to incorporate these phrases into real-life conversations or writing exercises to reinforce their usage.

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