Comprehensive Overview of Participial Phrases on the Digital SAT, EST, and ACT Exams

 Objectives

1. Define and review participial phrases.

2. Identify the correct punctuation of participial phrases.

3. Understand how participial phrases appear at the beginning, middle, and end of a sentence.

 Why It Matters for Your Exam

- Recognizing and correctly using participial phrases can help address common exam questions related to 'misplaced' modifiers.

 Foundational Concepts

- Participial phrases function as adjectives, modifying nouns or other adjectives.

- These phrases start with 'ing' (present participles) or 'ed' (past participles) words.

1. Present Participle Example: The cat, purring contentedly, settled on my lap.

   - Explanation: Purring contentedly is a present participial phrase that modifies The cat, describing its action and state of contentment.

2. Past Participle Example: The letter, written in elegant script, was hard to read.

   - Explanation: Written in elegant script is a past participial phrase that modifies The letter, giving us a glimpse into its appearance and style.

3. Present Participle Example: Children playing in the park laughed joyously.

   - Explanation: Playing in the park is a present participial phrase that modifies Children, describing what they are doing and where.

4. Past Participle Example: The house, abandoned for years, looked haunted.

   - Explanation: Abandoned for years is a past participial phrase that modifies The house, providing a backstory to its current state.

5. Present Participle Example: Birds chirping at dawn create a melodious morning chorus.

   - Explanation: Chirping at dawn is a present participial phrase that modifies Birds, describing their action and the time it occurs.

Each of these examples demonstrates the power of participial phrases to add depth and imagery to your writing, making it more engaging and picturesque. ������

 Placement in Sentences

- Beginning: Using her gift for oratory, Mott delivered hundreds of speeches...

1. Filled with excitement, the children rushed to the amusement park.

2. Carrying a heavy backpack, he climbed up the steep hill.

3. Whistling a cheerful tune, she completed her morning chores.

- Middle: Mott, using her gift for oratory, delivered hundreds of speeches...

1. The artist, inspired by nature's beauty, painted a breathtaking landscape.

2. The dog, wagging its tail vigorously, greeted its owner.

3. The car, loaded with camping gear, headed towards the mountains.

- End: Mott delivered hundreds of speeches, using her gift for oratory.

1. She read the book, fascinated by the intriguing plot.

2. He walked through the garden, surrounded by the fragrance of flowers.

3. They watched the sunset, amazed by the vibrant colors.

These examples show how the position of a participial phrase can add variety and emphasis to a sentence, enhancing the overall flow and expressiveness of your writing.

 Punctuation of Participial Phrases

 At the Beginning (Followed by a comma)

1. Bursting with vibrant colors, the painting, an exquisite piece of Renaissance art, captivated everyone in the gallery.

2. Gleaming under the showroom lights, the car, a latest model with advanced features, drew the attention of every visitor.

3. Rumbling in the distance, the storm, dark and ominous, threatened to disrupt the sunny afternoon.

 In the Middle (Enclosed by commas if non-essential)

1. The novel, written by an unknown author, quickly became a bestseller.

2. The old mansion, rumored to be haunted, stood at the end of the deserted street.

3. Our tour guide, knowledgeable about the city's history, took us through the ancient ruins.

 At the End (A comma is used if the phrase is non-essential or adds extra information)

1. The team completed the project, working tirelessly through the night.

2. She gazed at the stars, lost in thoughts about the universe.

3. He finished his speech, greeted with a standing ovation from the audience.

In each of these examples, the participial phrases are punctuated correctly, demonstrating how commas can effectively clarify the structure and meaning of complex sentences.

 Examples and Additional Notes

 Multiple Modifiers

1. Reading extensively, writing daily, and constantly seeking feedback, Sarah honed her skills as a novelist.

2. Studying diligently, participating in internships, and engaging in community service, John prepared for a successful career.

3. Singing melodiously, playing the guitar expertly, and charming the audience with her wit, Emma became a popular performer.

4. Experimenting with various ingredients, mastering culinary techniques, and presenting dishes artistically, the chef earned a Michelin star.

5. Training rigorously, maintaining a strict diet, and focusing on mental strength, the athlete set new records.

 Practice and Application

- Creating sentences using participial phrases in different positions helps in understanding and mastering their use.

- Reviewing examples and identifying the participial phrases and their correct punctuation is crucial for exam preparation.

By mastering participial phrases, their placement, and punctuation, ESL students will be better equipped to handle grammar-related questions in their exams, enhancing their overall performance.

Get more practice activities here:

Lesson 15 | Notes | Dependent Ideas 1 | Introductory Clauses

Lesson 16 | Notes | Dependent Ideas 2 | Introductory Clause Punctuation

Lesson 17 | Notes | Dependent Ideas 3 | Introductory Clause Errors

Full Grammar Course for the EST ACT and Digital SAT