在英语中什么叫介宾短语?是能作状语吗?请举个例子.

介词后的部分叫作宾语,介词加上这个宾语就叫作介宾短语,它们在句中可作定语,状语,表语,补语,例子如下:
1.The book on the desk is mine.(on the desk 就是介宾短语作定语)
2.On hearing the news,she couldn't help crying.(on hearing the news作状语)
3.They are at work.(at work作表语)
4.Please leave it on the desk when you finish reading the book.(on the desk作宾语补语)

介宾短语就是介词和宾语所构成的短语.介宾短语的主要作用是在句子中作状语.在英语中,这类的短语有很多,如：on the desk中,the desk是作介词on的宾语,和在一起构成了一个介词短语.再如,in the river,in front of the ...