A participial phrase is a group of words that includes a participle (a verb form used as an adjective) and any modifiers or complements. Participial phrases function as adjectives, providing more information about a noun or pronoun in a sentence.
For example:
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Running quickly, the athlete crossed the finish line.
- "Running quickly" is the participial phrase, describing "the athlete."
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The book written by the famous author became a bestseller.
- "Written by the famous author" is the participial phrase, describing "the book."
Participial phrases can begin with either present participles (ending in -ing) or past participles (often ending in -ed, -en, or other variations), and they add details that enhance the meaning of the sentence.