Using Phrases Language Network

Prepositional Phrase Using Phrases Here’s the Idea As Adjective As Adverb Why It Matters Practice and Apply

Phrase A phrase is a group of related words that acts as a single part of speech. Here’s the Idea

Prepositional Phrase A prepositional phrase consists of a preposition, its object, and any modifiers of the object. It can function as an adverb or an adjective. Here’s the Idea

By placing phrases properly, you can make your writing clear and descriptive. Here’s the Idea

An adjective phrase modifies a noun or a pronoun. Here’s the Idea

NOUN PRONOUN The dance club on Main Street holds a contest every weekend. Some of the competitors dance professionally. What does each adjective phrase modify? Here’s the Idea

An adverb phrase modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. Here’s the Idea

VERB ADJECTIVE The graceful champion dives into the pool. The city diving finals are the most difficult of all competitions. What does each adverb phrase modify? Here’s the Idea

The placement of a prepositional phrase can affect the meaning of a sentence. As you write, make sure that prepositional phrases appear to modify the words you want them to modify. Why It Matters

At the dog show the woman waits beside her dog in the purple dress. How does the placement of the highlighted prepositional phrase affect the meaning of this sentence? Why It Matters

At the dog show the woman in the purple dress waits beside her dog. How could the position of the prepositional phrase be changed to make the meaning clear? Why It Matters

Identify the prepositional phrase, along with the word it modifies. The ostrich is a bird for the record books. 1. Practice and Apply

Identify the prepositional phrase, along with the word it modifies. The ostrich also holds a record for speed. 2. Practice and Apply

Identify the prepositional phrase, along with the word it modifies. The ostrich is the fastest bird on land. 3. Practice and Apply

Rewrite the sentence, changing the position of a prepositional phrase so that the meaning is clear. John told us about the ostriches he had photographed after the test. 4. Practice and Apply

Rewrite the sentence, changing the position of a prepositional phrase so that the meaning is clear. The ostrich photographs won first prize by Chad. 5. Practice and Apply

Participial Phrase Using Phrases Here’s the Idea Why It Matters Practice and Apply

Participle A participle is a verb form that acts as an adjective. It modifies a noun or a pronoun. Here’s the Idea

NOUN Exhausted, Monique finished her workout. Here’s the Idea

Stumbling, the player dropped the ball. There are two kinds of participles. He fell to the ground, exhausted. past participle present participle Here’s the Idea

Participial Phrase A participial phrase consists of a participle plus its modifiers and complements. Here’s the Idea

The ball dropped by Martin went out of bounds. Participial phrases can be used to add details to descriptions. Here’s the Idea

Pay attention to the placement of participial phrases in your writing. A phrase in the wrong place is known as a misplaced modifier or dangling participle. Why It Matters

STUDENT MODEL Gasping for breath, the crowd watched the runner. The runner broke the ribbon. DRAFT A misplaced participial phrase, often called a misplaced modifier, modifies a word other than the one it is intended to modify. Why It Matters

STUDENT MODEL DRAFT Gasping for breath, the crowd watched the runner. The runner broke the ribbon. Who is gasping for breath? Why It Matters

STUDENT MODEL DRAFT Gasping for breath, the crowd watched the runner. The runner broke the ribbon. REVISION The crowd watched the runner. Gasping for breath, the runner broke the ribbon. Why It Matters

STUDENT MODEL Coming home with the trophy, our parrot said, “Hello!” DRAFT A dangling participial phrase does not logically modify any of the words in the sentence in which it appears. Why It Matters

STUDENT MODEL DRAFT Coming home with the trophy, our parrot said, “Hello!” The parrot won the trophy? Why It Matters

STUDENT MODEL DRAFT Coming home with the trophy, our parrot said, “Hello!” REVISION Coming home with the trophy, we heard our parrot say, “Hello!” Why It Matters

Identify the participle and the word it modifies. Smiling, John began to photograph the butterflies. 6. Practice and Apply

Identify the participial phrase and the word it modifies. Visiting gardens, the butterflies fly among the flowers. 7. Practice and Apply

Identify the participial phrase and the word it modifies. Butterflies, driven by instinct, use the flowers as meal stops. 8. Practice and Apply

Rewrite the sentence to eliminate the dangling or misplaced participial phrase. Hovering quietly, Jane saw a hummingbird at the feeder. 9. Practice and Apply

Rewrite the sentence to eliminate the dangling or misplaced participial phrase. The bird ate from the feeder swooping in gracefully. 10. Practice and Apply