A participial phrase is a group of words that begins with a participle (a verb form that can function as an adjective) and includes any modifiers, objects, or complements associated with the participle. Participial phrases provide additional information about a noun or pronoun in a sentence.
There are two types of participles: present participles, which end in "-ing" (e.g., "running," "swimming"), and past participles, which often end in "-ed," "-en," or irregular forms (e.g., "finished," "broken," "sung").
Here's an example of a participial phrase in a sentence:
- "Running down the street, the dog chased the ball."
In this sentence, "Running down the street" is the participial phrase, describing "the dog." The phrase adds information about what the dog was doing.
Another example is:
- "Exhausted from the long hike, she decided to take a break."
Here, "Exhausted from the long hike" describes "she," giving context about her state.
Participial phrases can enhance writing by providing vivid details and helping to combine ideas more efficiently.