What is a prepositional phrase?
A prepositional phrase is a non-verbal “add-on” to a proposition which includes a preposition and an object of that preposition. It is very important to notice that the word is “preposition” (with an “e”), not “proposition,” as these are completely different things. The most common prepositions in English are of, in, to, for, with, on, at, from and by. Note the prepositional phrases in bold below. The prepositions themselves are marked bold italic.
14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
—Philippians 4:14-20
There are a couple other details to notice as you seek to identify prepositional phrases. First, you can see that prepositional phrases are often chained together. Second, note that prepositions can, at times, consist of more than one word. The example of this above is the preposition “according to” in verse 19.
** For those more familiar with grammatical concepts, understand that we are not distinguishing genitives or indirect objects from prepositional phrases here, as this distinction does not directly affect Bracketing.
Prepositional phrases to break into a new proposition
Since prepositional phrases are non-verbal, they should, the majority of the time, not be broken off to become separate propositions. An exception is only made when the prepositional phrase is understood to significantly affect the logic of the text. The only prepositional phrase chain in the above passage that we should even consider breaking off would be “according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” in verse 19. This important prepositional phrase is indicating the means by which God will supply Paul's every need and thus would be related to the first half of verse 19 with Action-Manner.
Prepositional phrases to not break off
Once again, it is the default practice to not break off a prepositional phrase into its own proposition. If you have broken off a prepositional phrase and discover that none of the 18 logical relationships fits, then this proposition break should be removed.
Quiz
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
—Philippians 4:4-7
Should "in the Lord" (vs4) be broken off to be a separate proposition?
Should "again I will say" (vs4) be broken off to be a separate proposition?
Should "to everyone" (vs5) be broken off to be a separate proposition?
Should "at hand" (vs5) be broken off to be a separate proposition?
Should "about anything" (vs6) be broken off to be a separate proposition?
Should "in everything" (vs6) be broken off to be a separate proposition?
Should "by prayer and supplication" (vs6) be broken off to be a separate proposition?
Should "with thanksgiving" (vs6) be broken off to be a separate proposition?
Should "to God" (vs6) be broken off to be a separate proposition?
Should "of God" (vs7) be broken off to be a separate proposition?
Should "in Christ Jesus" (vs7) be broken off to be a separate proposition?