Identifying Words Modified by Participial Phrases

Participial phrases are groups of words that describe, or modify, nouns and verbs.

The words being modified by a participial phrase typically fall directly before or after the phrase itself.

Example sentences:

Kyle walked up to his friend sitting on the ground.

• In this sentence, the participial phrase "sitting on the ground" modifies the noun "his friend."

Jameson picked at the gum stuck to the bottom of his shoe.

• In this sentence, the participial phrase "stuck to the bottom of his shoe" modifies the noun "the gum."

Craving another popsicle, Carlos waited for the ice cream truck.

• In this sentence, the participial phrase "Craving another popsicle" modifies the noun "Carlos."