Introduce students to objects of preposition by defining these functions of speech. Emphasize that objects of a preposition necessarily, and by definition, follow prepositions. Explain that an object of preposition is, quite simply, the object that a preposition designates. Provide students with a list of frequently used prepositions.
Explain that objects of preposition are most often nouns or pronouns. Provide an example of a noun functioning as on object of preposition, such as the word "car" in the prepositional phrase "in the car." Provide an example of a pronoun functioning as an object of preposition, such as the word "her" in the prepositional phrase "around her."
Explain that objects of preposition may also be gerunds or clauses. Provide an instance of a gerund acting as a prepositional object, such as the gerund "eating" in the prepositional phrase "without eating." Provide an instance of a clause acting as a prepositional object, such as the clause "what he said" in the phrase "about what he said."
Explain that prepositional objects often have modifiers, which add description to the objects. For instance, in the prepositional phrase "in the old car," the adjective "old" modifies the prepositional object "car." Also, the article "the" is acting as a modifier, answering which old car. Reiterate that modifiers are not objects of preposition; they only describe objects of a preposition.