Which type of phrase starts with a present participle (-ing form)?a)Pr...
Participial phrases start with a present participle verb form, such as "Running down the street."
Which type of phrase starts with a present participle (-ing form)?a)Pr...
Understanding Participial Phrases
A participial phrase is a group of words that begins with a present participle, which is the -ing form of a verb. This type of phrase adds detail and description to a sentence.
Characteristics of Participial Phrases
- **Starts with Present Participle**: A participial phrase always begins with a verb ending in -ing. For example, "running quickly" in the phrase "Running quickly, the dog chased the ball."
- **Functions as an Adjective**: Participial phrases often act as adjectives, providing more information about a noun. In our example, "running quickly" describes the dog.
Examples of Participial Phrases
- "Singing loudly, the choir entertained the audience."
- "Excited about the trip, the children packed their bags."
Distinguishing from Other Phrases
- **Prepositional Phrase**: Begins with a preposition (e.g., "in the park").
- **Gerund Phrase**: Starts with a gerund (an -ing verb that functions as a noun) and can act as a subject or object (e.g., "Swimming is fun").
- **Infinitive Phrase**: Begins with the word "to" followed by a base verb (e.g., "to eat ice cream").
Conclusion
The correct answer to the question is option 'D' because a participial phrase specifically begins with a present participle, distinguishing it from other types of phrases. Understanding this helps enhance sentence structure and clarity in writing.