PHRASES
Compiled by Anis Batho
Phrase
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There are several different kinds of phrases:
appositive, verbal, and prepositional.
Understanding how they are constructed and how
they function within a sentence can bolster a
writer's confidence in writing sentences.
Verbal Phrase
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They are not the action associated with the
subject. There are 3 types of verbal phrase as
follows:
Participle, Gerund, Infinitive
Function
Participle phrases always function as adjectives,
adding description to the sentence.
Urgency to Learn
Able to combine and shorten sentences.
Combine and Shorten
Sentences
I stood on the roof of my apartment building at
dawn.
I watched the sun rise through crimson clouds.
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Standing on the roof of my apartment building at
dawn, I watched the sun rise through crimson
clouds.
Combine and Shorten
Sentences
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Professor Legree repeated his favorite joke.
He was encouraged by the polite applause of the
audience.
Encouraged by the polite applause of the
audience, Professor Legree repeated his favorite
joke.
Placement
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The start of a sentence to describe
something in the main clause.
Removing his books, the professor passed
out right away.
Placement
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Immediately after whatever it's modifying.
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I saw Ashley running for the bus.
Placement
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At the end of a clause and not immediately
after whatever it's modifying.
Paul loved his boxing gloves, wearing them
even to bed.
TYPES
There are three types
of participial clauses:
1. Present participle
2. Past participle
3. Perfect participle
1. Present Participle
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Indicates an action that happens simultaneously
with the action in the main clause.
I saw Jack while he was parking in front of his
house.
I saw Jack parking in front of his house.
Present Partciple
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Indicates an action that happens just before the
action in the main clause.
When she entered the room, she caught us
sleeping.
Entering the room, she caught us sleeping.
Note
The subject of the participle clause and the main
clause cannot be different.
When he entered the room, everybody got
stress.
Gives information about:
1. Time
2. Reason and results
Note
Participle clause doesn't indicate a specific tense;
instead, we should look at the main clause to
understand it.
Driving on the highway, one must be careful.
(present)
Driving on the highway, he had an accident. (past)
Driving on the highway, you will see a big sign.
(future)
Time
Opening the door, she saw me. (when she opened
the door ...)
Note:
Instead of using the verb alone, we can also use the
prepositions "on and upon" in the same way.
On / upon opening the door, she saw me.
Reason and Result
Having lots of work to do, he didn't want to come
with us. (because Mr. Hadi had lots of work to do...
Being rare, diamonds are very precious. (because
diamonds are rare...)
Note: in negative form, we use "not" in the
beginning.
Not wanting to tell the truth, she made up an
excuse.
2. Past Participle
Contrary to popular misuse, a past participle doesn't
have a past meaning; but instead, it has a similar
usage to present participle but in passive form.
Example:
Attacked by a dog, the new manager was taken to
the nearest hospital.
More Examples
The museum, which was built in 1953, needs
renovation.
Built in 1953, the museum needs renovation.
3. Perfect Participle
Indicates an action that happens long before the
action in the main clause.
Example:
Having worked as a personal assistant for ten
years in Italy, she could speak Italian fluently.
More Examples
Because Tom had attended this course before,
he knew what to expect.
Having attended this course before,
Tom knew what to expect.
Note:
To get passive form in perfect participle, we add
"been" after "having".
More Examples
Because he had been fired, he didn't attend the
meeting.
Having been fired, he didn't attend the meeting.
Because he hadn't been invited to the wedding, he
didn't come.
Not having been invited to the wedding, he didn't
come.
Write More,
Speak More!
Participle constructions
in sentences – Exercise
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He saw his friend (go) going out with Sue.
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Peter hurt his leg (do) karate.
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The umbrella (find) at the bus stop belongs
to John Smith.
The people (dance) in the street are all
very friendly.
Participle constructions
in sentences – Exercise
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I heard my mother (talk) on the phone.
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My uncle always has his car (wash).
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We stood (wait) for the taxi.
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(look) down from the tower we saw
many
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people walking in the streets.
The people drove off in a (steal) car.
Rewrite the sentences
with participle clauses.
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Sam left school early because he felt sick.
Feeling sick, Sam left school early.
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The teacher was impressed by Daniel’s work, so
she gave him the highest score.
Because he didn't study hard enough for his
exam, Ryan couldn't pass it.
As I haven’t received all the applications yet, I am
not eager to hire anyone.
The golden ring, which was stolen weeks ago,
was found.
Rewrite the sentences
with participle clauses.
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As I have an assignment to finish, I cannot come
with you.
When my sister heard the good news, she
wanted to cry.
Because I didn’t want to lose my passport, I gave
it to my father.
After he had been told to do the dishes, John
entered the kitchen with a frown.
As I had been to England before, I knew where to
find a good hotel.
Combine the clauses using
participle constructions
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As she didn't have a boyfriend, she flirted with
every guy she met.
Not having a boyfriend, she flirted with every guy
she met.
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Since he had never been there before, he was
stunned.
Before he left the house, he switched off the
lights.
As she was on holiday, she couldn't go to the
party.
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While she was preparing dinner, she cut her
finger.
When I travel around Ireland, I always stay in
youth hostels.
Since she didn't hear the doorbell, she missed
the delivery.
After I had dropped him at the station, I drove
straight to the supermarket.
Since he didn't feel well, he stayed in bed.
While they were talking on the phone, they forgot
everything around them.
Replace the Relative Clause by
a Participle Construction
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The boy who was waiting in the hall expected a
phone call.
The boy waiting in the hall expected a phone call.
Passengers who wanted to go to Liverpool had to
change in Manchester.
The girl who was picked up by her brother was very
nice.
The house that stands at the end of the road will
soon be sold.
The conference which was planned by nongovernmental organisations was about globalisation.
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Irish people who live in Great Britain have the
right to vote in British elections.
A friend who helps you in need is a good friend
indeed.
A picture that shows the image of a person is a
portrait.
The problems that were discussed will be
essential for your exam.
Animals that eat plants are called herbivores.
Exercise
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Write down a paragraph using participial
phrases.
Thank You