Can you start a sentence with a participial phrase?

Can you start a sentence with a participial phrase?

Participial phrases can come at the beginning, the middle, or the end of a sentence. Most often, separate them from the main clause with a comma.

Does a participle phrase have to start with a participle?

Participial phrases will always start with a participle. A participle is formed from a verb, but it acts as a noun or an adjective. They modify other nouns in sentences, and are often parts of longer phrases—like a participial phrase, of course!

How do you use participle phrase in a sentence?

Placed at the front of a sentence, a participle phrase is offset with a comma. A participle phrase placed immediately after the noun its modifying is not offset with commas (unless it’s nonessential). Put your participle phrase next to its noun. If there isn’t a noun, you’re dangling (and that’s never good).

What are examples of participle phrases?

Examples of Participial Phrase

• The boys sitting by the road were gossiping.
• Coming to the varsity, I came to know the fact.
• I was drinking coffee in a mug made of ceramic.
• I did the assignment sitting in the library.
• The man standing by the tree is suspicious.
• We were waiting for you sitting in the canteen.

How do you identify a participle phrase?

Recognize a participle phrase when you find one. A participle phrase will begin with a present or past participle. If the participle is present, it will dependably end in ing. Likewise, a regular past participle will end in a consistent ed. Irregular past participles, unfortunately, conclude in all kinds of ways.

What is a participle phrase in grammar?

A participial phrase is a group of words consisting of a participle and the modifier(s) and/or (pro)noun(s) or noun phrase(s) that function as the direct object(s), indirect object(s), or complement(s) of the action or state expressed in the participle, such as: Removing his coat, Jack rushed to the river.

What do participle phrases start with?

A participle phrase will begin with a present or past participle. If the participle is present, it will dependably end in ing. Likewise, a regular past participle will end in a consistent ed.

Such sentences need to be reworded. Also, when you start a sentence with a participial phrase, that phrase needs to modify the subject of the main clause. This sentence is also incorrect: Nearing unconsciousness again, his head slumped forward. It really isn’t his headthat’s nearly unconscious.

Can a participial phrase be part of the main clause?

Also, remember that a participial phrase describes a subject (usually a noun!) but isn’t part of the main clause of a sentence. The main clause of the sentence describes the action going on. If you take out the participial phrase, the main clause should still be a complete sentence. Here’s what you shouldn’t do with your participial phrases. a.

Is the participle a verb or an adjective?

A participle is formed from a verb, but it acts as a noun or an adjective. They modify other nouns in sentences, and are often parts of longer phrases—like a participial phrase, of course! The participle in a participial phrase can be either the present participle or the past participle.

How to avoid mistakes when writing participial phrases?

How to Avoid Mistakes When Writing Participial Phrases First, your participial phrase will need to use a participle, in past or present form. Make sure you have the right form if you’re using an irregular past participle! Also, remember that a participial phrase describes a subject (usually a noun!) but isn’t part of the main clause of a sentence.