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A Prepositional Phrase Guide, with Examples

Prepositional phrases outline the relationships between a sentence’s nouns, pronouns, and other supporting words.

Main Prepositional Phrase Takeaways:

  • Prepositional phrases help show the relationships between the nouns, pronouns, and other supporting words in a sentence.
  • Prepositional phrases contain a preposition, an object, and sometimes one or more modifiers.
  • There are two types of prepositional phrases: adverbial and adjectival.
  • “Before I leave,” is an example of an adverbial prepositional phrase.
  • “The sandwich on the table” is an example of an adjectival prepositional phrase.
  • Simple prepositions are just one word.
  • Complex prepositions contain two or more words.
  • Some words can be both adverbs and prepositions. Prepositions always relate to an object.

Prepositional phrases give your content power. Instead of simple, drab sentences that lack color, you can create an entire world of detail. Here’s a look at prepositional phrases, how they work, and the best way to use them.

A cartoon girl sits on the left side of the image leaning against the text PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE. Above her head is a thought bubble that contains examples of prepositional phrases like "under the tree", "behind the tree", and "on the tree".
Prepositional phrases outline the relationships between a sentence’s nouns, pronouns, and other supporting words.

What Is a Preposition?

Before we start discussing prepositional phrases, let’s first define what a preposition is. Prepositions are words that show the relationships between words in sentences. They usually come before nouns, pronouns, gerunds, or clauses to show place, location, time, and direction or introduce an object in a sentence. For example:

The cat sat on the table.
My coworker lives near the church.
We drove over the Golden Gate Bridge.
They have been singing as a group since 2019.
I found the key under the table.

On, near, over, since, and under are all prepositions. These words allow readers to visualize where an object is located or when something happened. If you want to know more about prepositions, feel free to check our article 5 Types of Prepositions: An Easy Guide. Now, moving on to our main topic, what is a prepositional phrase?

What Is a Prepositional Phrase?

A prepositional phrase is a group of words composed of a preposition, an object (noun or pronoun), and the word that modifies the object. Prepositional phrases function as information-givers in a sentence. Let’s take this sentence as an example: “With a sharp knife in hand, the man freed the dog from its leash.” “With” is the preposition, “knife” is the object, and “sharp” is the word that modifies the object. Together as a prepositional phrase, it tells the readers what the man used to free the dog off its leash.

In most cases, writers use a prepositional phrase to modify a verb or a noun.

For example, why say “you went out” when you can say that “you went out to an incredible party?”

She’s scheduled to leavebefore noon.

Then, you have the option to add a modifier.

She’s scheduled to leavea bit before noon.

“A bit” modifies or further describes the time of departure.

How Do You Identify a Prepositional Phrase?

A prepositional phrase starts with a preposition and ends with an object, which could be a noun, pronoun, gerund, or clause. The object at the end of the prepositional phrase is referred to as the “object of the preposition.” For you to easily identify a prepositional phrase, you need to know the format or pattern it follows in a sentence. There are two ways to write a prepositional phrase, as illustrated below:

Preposition + Modifier + Object (Noun, Pronoun, Gerund, or Clause)

Preposition + Object (Noun, Pronoun, Gerund, or Clause)

Here are some examples of prepositional phrases following the preposition + modifier + object format:

From my savings
Under the long bridge
Beneath the old oak tree
Through the broken window
Along the busy streets

Now, the following are examples of prepositional phrases written in the preposition + object format:

From grandma
About what you need
Beneath us
Through him
At work

If you can spot any of these two patterns, you’ll be able to identify prepositional phrases easily in any sentence.

To characters show the relationship between prepositions and nouns. On the right is a taller man with a sign around his neck that reads Preposition. To his left is a smaller woman holding his hand. She has a sign around her neck that reads NOUN.
We use prepositions with nouns to emphasize, connect, or clarify ideas.

What Is an Example Of a Prepositional Phrase?

Here are some examples of prepositional phrases in action. We’ll give you a sentence, identify the prepositional phrase, and explain how it works.

The Wicked Witch lives somewhere over the rainbow.

Here, we’re demonstrating the connection between the rainbow and where the Wicked Witch lives.

My magazine fellbehind the couch.

How are the couch and magazine related? One fell behind the other!

Eliza jumpedfor joy.

Why did Eliza jump? “For joy!”

To make things easier, she reserved a roomby the elevator.

“By the elevator” indicates where the room is.

Types Of Prepositional Phrases

There are two types of prepositional phrases, depending on the modifier describing the object: adverbial and adjectival. Adverbial prepositional phrases function as adverbs and answer questions like where, when, how, and why. Adjectival prepositional phrases act as adjectives and answer one of these two questions: What kind of?Which one?

In the succeeding sections, we’ll discuss the major differences and effective usage of these two types of prepositional phrases.

What Is an Adverbial PrepositionalPhrase Example?

Adverbial clauses get their name from the fact that they function as adverbs.

For example, we use adverbial prepositional phrases to show timing or cause and effect. They might tell you when or where something happened. They might also detail how something happened or to what extent.

Adverbial Prepositional Phrases contain a preposition. But, the entire phrase functions as an adverb. This is because the phrase shows when, how, or why something happened.
Because I went to the store early, I was able to get the new video game before it sold out.

In this example, “because I went to the store early” is an adverbial clause. This is because it demonstrates how the action in the second part of the sentence came to be.

“Before it sold out” is also an adverbial phrase because it described when that action took place.

Since Marika left her wallet at home, she had to borrow money for the bus.

Here, “Since Marika left her wallet at home” demonstrates what caused her to have to borrow money.

What Is an Adjectival Prepositional Phrase Example?

On the other hand, an adjective phrase modifies the noun or pronoun that comes immediately before it.

Adjectival Prepositional Phrases contain a preposition. But, the entire phrase functions as an adjective. This is because the complete phrase describes the object it follows.
The manon the islandmade friends with a volleyball.

“On the island” describes the man. The object of the prepositional phrase is the island. What’s more, the phrase itself indicates how the island and the man are connected.

The slice of cakein the pantryis mine.

In this case, the pantry is the object, and the prepositional phrase is describing the link between the cake and its location.

A boy and girl holding hands while pointing in different directions. The girl on the left wants to go somewhere else.
An adjectival phrase modifies the noun or pronoun that comes immediately before it in a sentence.

Prepositions That Begin Prepositional Phrases

Here are some examples of common prepositions that you often see at the start of prepositional phrases. Jump over to our types of prepositions guide to explore a full list of common, simple and complex prepositions.

AboardAboutAboveAcrossAfter
AgainstAlongAmidAmongAround
AsAtBeforeBehindBelow
BesidesBetweenBeyondButBy
ConcerningConsideringDespiteDownDuring
ExceptExcludingFollowingForFrom
InInsideIntoLikeMinus
NearOfOffOnOpposite
OutsideOverPastPlusRegarding
RoundSaveSinceThanThrough
ToTowardUnderUnderneathUnlike
UntilUpUponVersusWith
Common Prepositions

There are also some multi-word prepositions. These contain two or more words that function together to create a complex preposition.

  • According to
  • In spite of
  • Along with
  • On account of

Can You Begin a Sentence With a Prepositional Phrase?

The quick answer to this question is YES. You can begin a sentence with a prepositional phrase. Prepositional phrases appearing at the beginning of sentences are called introductory prepositional phrases. Besides giving additional information, introductory prepositional phrases also help provide a sense of flow to any written work. They make the text less choppy and pleasurable to read. Read the following paragraph:

“Since 1985, the coffee shop across the street has served thousands of locals and tourists. It’s a favorite spot for travelers and people who want to grab a quick cup of coffee before starting their busy day. Beside the famous coffee shop, you’ll find the town’s only souvenir store where you can buy all sorts of locally made products.”

The ones underlined in the paragraph above are introductory prepositional phrases. Notice how they provide extra information and help with the flow of the sentences? Now, you also need to pay attention to the placement of your comma when using introductory prepositional phrases.

Comma After a Prepositional Phrase

As a general rule, you can choose to use a comma after a short introductory prepositional phrase or forego using one. By “short,” we mean prepositional phrases that are no longer than four words. Prepositional phrases longer than four words automatically get a comma after them. For example:

On Monday the recruit will start his training.
On Monday, the recruit will start his training.
Near the town there’s an abandoned mine.
Near the town, there’s an abandoned mine.
During the wee hours of the morning he packed his bags and left his home.
During the wee hours of the morning, he packed his bags and left his home.
Beneath the busy streets of Paris you’ll find the city’s centuries-old catacombs.
Beneath the busy streets of Paris, you’ll find the city’s centuries-old catacombs.

Is It a Preposition or an Adverb?

Some words can function as prepositions and as adverbs. You can easily figure out whether a word is acting as a preposition or an adverb by looking for the object.

Preposition or Adverb?

  • If your word refers to an object, it’s probably a preposition.
  • If your word doesn’t refer to an object, or there is no object in sight, it’s probably an adverb.
Adverb:She ran up.
Preposition:She ran up the hill.

In the first sentence, “up” doesn’t refer to anything. There is not object. Therefore, “up” is acting as an adverb here.

However, in the second example, “up” does refer to an object. For example, “up” is followed by a noun (the hill). As a result, it’s a preposition in this case.

You can confirm that “up” is a preposition here by asking and answering this question: Where did she run? She ran up the hill!

Here’s another one:

Adverb:Clark walked across.
Preposition:Clark walked across the courtyard.

In the first example, all we know is that Clark walked across something. We don’t know what that something is, because there is no object. Consequently, “across” is an adverb here.

In the second example, we find out that Clark walked across a courtyard. Since “courtyard” is the object, and across becomes a preposition.

Prepositional phrase cheat sheet. Prepositional phrases show the connections between parts of speech. A girl holding a rope with banners labeled as noun, pronoun, and supporting words. A prepositional phrase is a combination of a preposition and an object. Two types of prepositional phrases: adjectival phrases and adverbial phrases. A boy saying adjectival phrases are prepositional phrases that function as adjectives. A young woman saying adverbial phrases are prepositional phrases that function as adverbs. Some examples of prepositional phrases include by chance, in time, at the end, on schedule, in demand, out of breath, by accident, out of date, in danger, on a diet, in focus, at risk, by luck, and at sight. Preposition vs. adverb. A preposition needs and object. An adverb doesn't need an object.
INK Prepositional Phrase Infographic

Quick Prepositional Phrase Grammar Quiz

Prepositional Phrase Question #1

Select the prepositional phrase in this sentence: The monster under the bed whispers at night.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is A. Under the bed shows the relationship between the monster and the whispers.

Prepositional Phrase Question #2

A prepositional phrase can function as an adjective or an adverb in a sentence.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is TRUE. Prepositional phrases can function as either adjective phrases or adverb phrases to modify other words in a sentence. For example, "The girl with him is his daughter."

Prepositional Phrase Question #3

Which of these is not a prepositional phrase?
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is C. A prepositional phrase must include a preposition, its object, and any modifiers of the object.

Prepositional Phrase Question #4

What is the name of the noun that is part of the prepositional phrase?
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is C. The object of the preposition can either be a noun or a pronoun.

Read More: When to Use Comma Before Such As: the Definitive Guide

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A Complete Guide to Using Indefinite Articles A or An

Indefinite articles "A" and "AN." Two boys holding placards. One placard reads A while the other AN.

Main A or An Takeaways:

  • Deciding whether to use a or an before a word depends on how the word is pronounced.
  • Use a before a word that begins with a consonant sound (a cat, a girl, a boat).
  • Use an before a word that begins with a vowel sound (an eagle, an Irish girl, an hour).
  • A and an are indefinite articles.
  • Indefinite articles reference something that is not defined, like an unspecified/unknown item or quantity.
  • Definite articles reference something that is defined, like a specific item, location, or action.
She ordered a garden salad with anheirloom tomato slice and an olive oil vinaigrette dressing.
She ordered an garden salad with aheirloom tomato slice and a olive oil vinaigrette dressing.

When To Use A Or An?

We use a and an depending on how the words sound, not how they are spelled. Use a before words that begin with a consonant sound and use an before words that begin with a vowel sound. If the word begins with an ‘h’ but it’s silent, use an. Here’s a tricky part. Use a for words that begin in ‘h’ but are pronounced. We only use an if using a would sound off or make pronunciation more difficult.

Definite vs. Indefinite Articles

Before we dig deeper into the proper usage of a and an, let us first understand the difference between definite and indefinite articles. To begin with, there is only one definite article in the English language – the. On the other hand, there are two indefinite articles – a and an. The can function as an adjective or an adverb. A and an can only serve as an adjective, not an adverb.

The definite article the indicates that the identity of the noun is known to the reader. However, indefinite articles used before a noun means that the noun’s identity is unknown or general. Here are examples:

Theman looks tired after running for 15 minutes.
She ateanorange yesterday.
We ownacar andamotorcycle.

Now that you know the difference between definite and indefinite articles, let’s discuss the rules for using a or an.

What Are The Rules For Using A Or An?

The general rule for using a or an is simple. Use a for words that begin with a consonant sound. And use an for words that start with a vowel sound. You can also apply this rule to words that begin with ‘h.’ That’s because this rule applies to the sound of the word’s first letter and not just the letter itself. For instance, if the ‘h’ is silent, use an. If not, use a. Therefore, the indefinite article you use depends entirely on how the article sounds with the word it precedes.

Indefinite articles "A" and "AN." Two boys holding placards. One placard reads A while the other AN.
Use indefinite articles a or an when you’re referring to an unspecified or unknown item or quantity.

General Rules for A vs. An:

  • Useabefore a word that begins with a consonant sound.
  • Useanbefore a word that begins with a vowel sound.

Which Is Correct: A Or An?

When deciding whether you should use a or an, say the word out loud. If the word begins with a vowel sound, use an. Words starting with a consonant sound use a. The indefinite article for words that begin with ‘h’ will depend on the word’s pronunciation. For example, use a for words where you pronounce the ‘h’ (a house, a hat). On the other hand, use an for terms where the ‘h’ is silent (an hour, an honor). Therefore, using this rule correctly depends on how the word is pronounced.

Tip: Say words out loud before selecting a or an for your written work. Some words begin with a consonant that sounds like a vowel.

What Is The Difference Between A And An?

Beyond the letter ‘n’, the main difference between a and an is their usage. We use a before words that start with a consonant sound. On the other hand, we use an before words that start with a vowel sound. Functionally, there is no difference between a and an because they are both indefinite articles. But, which one to use depends entirely on how we pronounce the word the indefinite article precedes.

I can’t believe it’s been over a year since I saw you!
When Carlo asked me what kind of doctor I am, I told him that I’m an oncologist.
The ring she wore was an heirloom passed down by her maternal grandmother.
I’d love to be under the sea in an octopus‘ garden (in the shade).

Is It A Or An Before H?

Words beginning with ‘h’ don’t follow the rule to use the indefinite article a with words that begin with consonants. Instead, whether to use a or an before ‘h’ depends on how the word is pronounced. For instance, the ‘h’ is silent in the word hour, so the correct indefinite article to use is an (an hour). ‘H’ is not silent in the word hat. So, the right article to us is a.

However, be mindful of regional pronunciation differences. For example, people don’t tend to pronounce the ‘h’ in herbal in the U.S. In the U.K., however, they do. These differences in pronunciation may change which article is correct when.

Is It A Hour Or An Hour?

The correct way to phrase this is an hour, not a hour. The reason is because the actual sound of the word determines which indefinite article we use, not just the first letter. We typically use a for words that begin with a consonant sound but use an for words that begin with a vowel sound. While ‘h’ is a consonant, the letter is silent in the word hour. In other words, we can treat the ‘h’ like it’s invisible. As a result, the word hour actually begins with the vowel sound ‘o’. Since we use an with words that begin with vowel sounds, an is the correct indefinite article for the word hour.

I waited for there like a fool for over an hour!
How could you leave me there to wait alone for over a hour?

What Is an Indefinite Article Example?

Here are examples of indefinite articles in sentences:

Lucinda boughtagorgeous dress for her date.
Paul playedanupbeat song during his workout.
Jessie broughtaapple for lunch.
Cortez filedanrequest for vacation time.
She said she’d be hereanhour ago.
She said she’d be hereahour ago.
When to use an? Use an before words that begin with a vowel sound. A boy holding a placard showing the indefinite article an. Behind him in a straight line are: an apple holding a letter A placard; an egg holding a letter E placard; an ice cream holding a letter I placard; an octopus holding a letter O placard; an umbrella holding a letter U placard; and an hour glass holding a letter H placard.
Use an before a word that begins with a vowel sound.

Here are examples of definite articles in sentences:

She boughta ham her husband wanted.
He visitedthestate where he was born.
Ava’s son threw his blocks onthefloor.
Carlie spilledthesoda she was drinking.

Do You Always Use An Before a Vowel?

Use the indefinite article an before a spoken vowel sound. We say an when using a would sound less appealing or make the phrase more difficult to pronounce. Regardless of how the word is spelled, only use an before words that begin with a vowel sound. For this reason, you should write an hour, an heir, or an honor. Even though ‘h’ is technically a consonant, it is silent in these examples. As a result, we pronounce the next letter, which is a vowel sound. Since we use an with vowel sounds, an is the correct indefinite article.

Why Are A and An Called Indefinite Articles?

A and an are called indefinite articles. There are three articles in total, and they are a,an, and the. They are a type of adjective because they help describe the noun that they precede. While a and an are indefinite articles, the is a definite article. Use a and an to refer to something that is indefinite, or not defined. This might be something less specific or unqualified (a pen, an overcoat). Similarly, use the to refer to something that is definite, or defined. This might be something you previously mentioned or something specific (the pen, the overcoat).

She attendedameeting.

In the above sentence, you know she attended a meeting. You just don’t know what meeting she attended.

Therefore, since the meeting is not defined, we need to use the indefinite article a.

She attendedanmeeting.

This sentence is not grammatically correct because meeting starts with a consonant sound, not a vowel sound. You can’t use an before the word meeting.

Indefinite articles like a or an reference an unknown or unspecified thing. They can also refer to an undefined quantity.
She attendedthemeeting.

However, in this sentence you know that she attended a specific meeting. The woman attended themeeting, not ameeting. This sentence implies that the audience knows which meeting is referenced.

Since the meeting is defined, we need to use the definite article the.

Definite articles like the are words that reference something known or specific. The is a definite article because it clarifies which thing, person, place, or event you are referencing.

Here’s an easy sentence to help you remember definite articles:

I definitely need a definite article when I’m sure about something.

There is no doubt when you use definite articles. You know exactly what you’re referencing, and so does your audience. Stick with indefinite articles when you make vague comments or have an audience that doesn’t care about identity.

How Do We Determine Indefinite Article A or An?

The best way to determine whether to use a or an is to say the word out loud. For example, if the word begins with a consonant sound (not a vowel sound), then use a. However, if the word begins with a vowel sound, use an. Remember: the sound of the first letter of the word determines which indefinite article to use, not the first letter of the word.

Please help yourself to a beverage and an hors d’oeurve.
Please help yourself to an beverage and a hors d’oeurve.

What Are Indefinite Articles In English?

In English, there are two types of articles: definite (the) and indefinite (a, an). Use a definite article for things that are clearly and specifically defined. For example, when you’re talking about something specific, use the. Use an indefinite article for things that are not clearly and specifically defined. For instance, when you’re talking about something in general, use aor an depending on which sounds the word begins with.

I know Sophia is the one because she’s the girl of my dreams!
I know Sophia is a one because she’s a girl of my dreams!

In this example, we’re talking about a specific person (Sophia) and how she stands out above the rest for the speaker. Since we’re referencing something specific and defined, we need to use the definite article the.

Whether the word begins with a consonant or vowel sound, use the when you need a definite article.

He already requested a ballot to vote by mail.
He already requested the ballot to vote by mail.

Read More:The Definitive Guide: When To Use Was Vs. Were

Here, we’re talking about one of many identical ballots that the person requested. Since were referencing something general and not defined, we should use the indefinite article a.

If the word began with a vowel sound instead of a consonant sound like ‘b’, we’d use the indefinite article an.

I’d like to order an egg sandwich, please.
I’d like to order the egg sandwich, please.

In some rare cases, both an indefinite and definite article may make sense, depending on what you are trying to say.

For example, the first sentence uses the indefinite article an. This is correct because I’m not talking about a specific or defined egg sandwich. Rather, I’m talking about one of the many egg sandwiches the restaurant has to order in general. Since I’m referencing something undefined, I need to use indefinite article.

Moreover, since the word egg begins with a vowel sound, I should use the indefinite article an.

Can We Use Indefinite Article Before Uncountable Nouns?

Nouns can be countable or uncountable. Meaning, you can either count their quantity or not. Countable nouns or count nouns are either singular or plural. In contrast, uncountable nouns or noncount nouns are always singular. As a general rule, we only use indefinite articles before countable nouns indicating one quantity. For uncountable nouns, we can either use the definite article the or not (zero article).

I sawadrop of blood on the surface of the table.
I sawablood on the surface of the table.

In our first example, the term “drop” indicates one quantity. Thus, we used the indefinite article a. However, in our second example, a precedes the uncountable word “blood“, which is incorrect. The correct sentence(s) should be:

I saw blood on the surface of the table.
I sawtheblood on the surface of the table.

Why Is It Called Indefinite Article?

A and an are called indefinite articles because we use them to refer to things that are not defined, or indefinite. In fact, the word indefinite comes from combining the Latin prefix –in (meaning not) with the word definitis (meaning defined). In other words, indefinite articles refer to something that is not specific. This may be an undefined or unknown quantity or item.

Quick Recap: When and How To Use A Or An?

When to use a or an depends on how you pronounce the word in question. It’s important to note that the sound governs which indefinite article you use, not simply the first letter. This means that actually saying the word aloud will help you determine which article to use, and not just looking at the first letter. On one hand, use a if the word begins with a consonant sound (a chicken, a ballot). On the other hand, use an if the word begins with a vowel sound. Additionally, use a before words that begin with a hard ‘h’ sound. Conversely, use an before words that begin with a silent ‘h’.

Quick Indefinite Articles A or An Grammar Quiz

Indefinite Article A or An Question #1

____ reference an unknown or unspecified thing.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is INDEFINITE ARTICLES. Indefinite articles reference an unspecified or unknown item or quantity.

Indefinite Articles Question #2

Which of these is NOT an indefinite article?
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is "A." “The” is a definite article which references a specific person, item, quantity, or event.

A or An Question #3

Select the grammatically correct sentence.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is A. Use “a” before a word that begins with a consonant sound.

An or A Question #4

Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is B. “MBA” is pronounced with a vowel sound even though it starts with a consonant.

Article Grammar Question #5

Which of these is NOT an article in the English language?
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is "AT." The three articles in the English language are “a,” “an,” and “the”.

Indefinite Article Question #6

“That” is an indefinite article.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is FALSE. Although “that” is not a definite article, it can function as a definite article, adverb, conjunction, pronoun, or adjective.

Read More: Wether vs. Weather vs. Whether: How to use Each Word Correctly

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Use INK SEO Headline Optimization to Improve CTR

An expanded view of INK PRO's SEO headline optimizer against a yellow background.

If someone clicks on a search result in Google, it’s because it’s relevant to what they searched and hits the right emotion spot-on. 

In fact, a recent Backlinko CTR study found that people click on headlines with emotional sentiment 7% more than those without any strong emotion.

That means headlines are perhaps the most important thing to getting more clicks, and INK PRO’s brand new SEO Headline Optimization shows you exactly how to do just that. 

Power Words Don’t Work Anymore, Emotion Does

It’s clear that power words like “Best” and “Amazing” are so overused, they just don’t work anymore. 

Worse, they can actually decrease click-through rates. 

Search has evolved past them, and INK is the only tool that recognizes this.  

That means we go way beyond helping you find the right words; INK PRO Headline Optimization also helps you find the right emotions for your audience.

How PRO’s SEO Headline Optimization Tasks Save Time While Boosting Engagement

You’re going to save so much time doing market research while getting tons more insight you never anticipated. 

Sentiment Analysis

INK PRO’s Headline Emotional Intelligence shows you:

  • Exactly which emotions are most relevant to your users and which words best convey them.
  • Which words your competitors are using to convey the same sentiment.

Headline Relevance

An SEO headline is relevant when it’s relevant to both the keyword and the topic. INK PRO’s Headline Relevance understands this like nothing else out there. 

While other headline optimization tools don’t help make sure your headline is relevant to your article and your audience, INK PRO does. 

In fact, INK PRO goes way beyond showing you what words to use. INK tells you exactly what ideas to use and the emotions that best convey them.

You’ll better understand your audience, their expectations, and how your competitors are currently meeting it. 

Moreover, you’ll also make a stronger connection with your audiences, faster.

Clear Metrics to Measure Your Success

We’re all about ROI and results. Our businesses users will love how INK PRO’s Headline Optimization lets you clearly measure your content ROI against click-through rate improvements.

You’ll know your headlines are relevant both topically and emotionally, and watch your clicks explode.

A new way to get to a 100% INK SEO Score

What’s more, we also incorporated INK PRO’s Headline Tasks into the overall SEO score, so it gives you another way to get your score to 100%.

Since INK’s powerful AI analyzes in real-time, you know your SEO headline is always up to date and relevant right now.

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Getting to the Bottom of Get Got Gotten

Three men labeled as get, got and gotten. Get says I'm present tense. Got says I'm both past and past participle. Gotten says I'm an alternative past participle.

Main Get Got Gotten Takeaways:

  • Get, got and gotten are all correct but they are not interchangeable.
  • Get is the present tense of this verb (infinitive: to get).
  • Got is the past tense of this verb. It’s also the first of two correct options for the get past participle.
  • Gotten is a word. In fact, its the second of the two past participles of get.
  • In American English, the word gotten is no more or less formal than the word getor got. Instead, it really comes down to your personal style and desired tone.
What do you think you’ll get for lunch?
I know it’s a little late, but I got you a small present to wish you a belated happy birthday!
I bet Sofia’s parents are happy that she’s got the hang of driving.
Sofia has gottenbetter at driving since last year.
Eric wished he had gotten the traditional comforter instead of the weighted blanket.

Get, got, gotten — which is it? Have you gotten better at grammar, or have you got better at grammar — or are both got and gotten acceptable? Let’s look at the difference between these three words as well as example sentences for each.

Three men labeled as get, got and gotten. Get says I'm present tense. Got says I'm both past and past participle. Gotten says I'm an alternative past participle.
Get, got, and gotten are all correct but they are not interchangeable.

Is it Correct to say Gotten?

Yes, it is correct to say gotten. In fact, gotten and got are both get past participles, but they mean slightly different things. For example, gotten means “I acquired,” whereas got means “I have.” Moreover, got is also the past tense of the verb to get. Another difference between these words is regional preference. North American English speakers tend to use gotten while British English speakers prefer the word got instead.

The scientists at the UK Atomic Energy authority believe that they’ve almost got all the data they need.
NASA’s planetary engineers are confident they’ve almost gotten all the data they need.
📝 The verb to get means “to receive” or “to come to have something.”

Which is Correct: Got or Gotten?

Both got and gotten are past participles of the word “get.” Meaning, they are both correct when used in that form. However, “gotten“ is more common in American English, while “got“ is popularly used in British and Australian English.

It’s a different story though if we’re talking about the simple past tense of the verb get. For this, regardless of the context, it will always be “got.

We got great responses from the crowd.
We gotten great responses from the crowd.

What is Another Word for Gotten?

Another word for gotten is acquired. What’s more, synonyms for any form of get (including the past participle gotten) include acquire, obtain, receive, purchase, buy, earn, come in to, gain, collect, and come by. In fact, you can use any of those similar words in place of get, got or gotten in a sentence.

Madisoncame byhis success easily.
Sarahreceivedan unexpected letter in the mail.
Billgainedmost of his professional connections via LinkedIn.

Get, Got, and Gotten Example Sentences

Here are examples of how to use get in a sentence:

Igetnervous during exams.
Mrs. Swanson wasn’t sure how to get to the Post Office from here.
What should we get you for your graduation present?
When did youget back from the store?

Here are examples of how to use got in a sentence:

Igotyou a dress from the store.
CelinegotHeather a pair of earrings for her birthday.
The Labour Party representative felt that the discussion had got out of hand.

Here are examples of how to use gotten in a sentence:

Our experimenthasgottenoff to a bad start.
My client has notgottenhis summons yet, Your Honor.

[Correct]The Joint Chiefs of Staff felt they had gotten clear orders from the President.[/correct]

💡📝 Get Got Gotten Cheat Sheet

Get: present tense of the verb to get

Got:

  • Past tense of the verb to get
  • 1/2 correct options of the past participle of the verb to get (preferred in UK English)

Gotten: 2/2 correct options of the past participle of the verb to get (preferred in US English)

Has Got or Gotten?

Has got and has gotten are interchangeable. But people in the United States use the word gotten more often than the word got. Both gotten and got are past-tense versions of get. “I got“ means “I have,” whereas “I have gotten“ means “I acquired.“British English speakers are more likely to use the phrase “has got“ to indicate “have in my/their possession.” Let’s see a few examples in action:

There hasgotto be something we can do about that.
My mom thinksI’ve gottentoo big for my boots.
He told me hegottenmarried back in 2015.
☝️ The word gotten is just as old as the word got. As a matter of fact, both gotten and got originate in Middle English.
Gotten is a past participle of the verb to get. It refers to the process of getting something.
Gotten is a word. In fact, its the second of the two past participles of get. In American English, the word gotten is no more or less formal than the word get or got. Instead, it really comes down to your personal style and desired tone.

“Could Have Gotten” Meaning?

The phrase “could have gotten” means that there was an opportunity to get something in the past, but it slipped away or wasn’t taken advantage of (e.g.,I could have gotten a perfect grade on the test if I had just studied a bit more). The phrases “could have,” “should have,” and “would have” are the three past tense modals. As such, they show what might have happened but did not actually occur. Therefore, “could get” and “could have gotten” function similarly to “get” and “have gotten.”

📝How to use the Three Past Modals:

Subject + could/should/would + have + Past Participle Verb

Lauren could have gotten the winning ticket if she had arrived earlier.
I would have gotten more gourmet snacks for the party, but the everyday store brand was all that was left.
The sisters should have gotten the pizza to go, but they preferred to dine-in.

Is Gotten Formal?

In American English, the word gotten is no more or less formal than any other form of get. Originally a Middle English word, gotten is still used in both academic and informal writing in Canada and in the US. In the UK, Australia and New Zealand, writers use the word got rather than gotten in both formal and informal writing.

The students were disappointed because they gottentheir multiplication tables wrong.
The students were disappointed because they had gottentheir multiplication tables wrong.
The students were disappointed because they had gottheir multiplication tables wrong.
The students were disappointed because they gottheir multiplication tables wrong.

It’s important to note that got has a common colloquial use that isn’t grammatically correct. For instance, you may hear someone use the word got as a synonym for has. While you might say this in a casual conversation, you should avoid it (and never write it) in more formal or professional settings.

(informal speech/text) IKR?!That lady — shegotstyle.
(formal speech/writing) That ladyhas style.

Is Gotten an Americanism?

Many assume that gotten is an Americanism because Americans use the word more than other English-speaking people. That isn’t true. In fact, both gotten and got date back to as early as 4th century Middle English. Therefore, gotten has been around just as long as got — and some people even consider it an antiquated form of got.

“Between us, I think the cat hasgota little overweight,” said dad.
The octopus population in the U.S. hasgottenlarger recently.
A young boy looking confused in front of his laptop. Behind him are his parents. Her mom wearing the tag "got" and his dad wearing the tag "gottent."
Has got and has gotten are interchangeable. But people in the United States use the word gotten more often than the word got. Both gotten and got are past-tense versions of get.

Get Got Gotten in Review

On one hand, get is present tense, whilegot and gotten are both past participles of get. Surprisingly, gotten isn’t an Americanism — it’s actually just as old as the word got.

Have you got (or gotten!) the get/got/gotten difference down?

Get, Got, Gotten? Do you Know Which one to use? Take the Quiz Below!

Get, Got, Gotten Question #1

“Get,” “got,” and “gotten” can be used interchangeably in a sentence.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is FALSE. “Gotten” and “got” are both past participles of “get.” However, they mean slightly different things.

Get or Gotten Question #2

Preference north american Prefer to Use Text On White Board Behind Cartoon girl
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is B. North American English speakers tend to use gotten while British English speakers prefer got.

Got vs. Gotten Question #3

The word “got” is older than “gotten.”
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is FALSE. Both words originate in Middle English.

Get, Got, Gotten Question #4

Complete the sentence. I___ a book last Christmas.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is B. In this sentence, “got” serves as the past tense of the verb “to get.”

Get, Got, Gotten Question #5

Complete the sentence. Things could have ___ better if he stayed.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is C. The phrase “could have gotten” suggests that an opportunity to get something in the past slipped away.

Got Question #6

It’s always correct to use “got” as a synonym for “has.”
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is FALSE. Avoid using “got” as a synonym for “has” in formal or professional settings.

Get, Got, Gotten Quiz Result
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Read More: Alot Or A Lot Or Allot? Here’s The Easiest Way To Get It Right