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Participial Phrases – Quiz 1
Participial Phrases Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding of participial phrases, including their function in sentences and proper comma usage. It covers identifying appositives, recognizing misplaced participial phrases, and analyzing the structure and placement of participial phrases to ensure correct sentence construction.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
Identify the participial phrase in the following sentence. Then tell what word the phrase modifies.Confused by the identical twins, Mr. Fatar threw up his hands in wonder.
A) Baffled by the loud noise; it modifies 'Mr. Fatar'.
B) Surprised by the sudden change; it modifies 'the twins'.
C) Confused by the identical twins; it modifies 'Mr. Fatar'.
D) Amused by their antics; it modifies 'the hands'.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The participial phrase in the sentence is "Confused by the identical twins," which modifies 'Mr. Fatar'. This phrase describes Mr. Fatar's state of mind due to the situation involving the identical twins.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; it does not match the participial phrase in the sentence and its subject.
Option B:
Incorrect; it does not match the participial phrase in the sentence and its subject.
Option C:
Correct; "Confused by the identical twins" is a participial phrase that modifies 'Mr. Fatar'.
Option D:
Incorrect; it does not match the participial phrase in the sentence and its subject.
2.
It is hard to believe that my favorite time of year, Christmas, is nearly here! What interrupter are you seeing?
A) Appositive.
B) Participial Phrase.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The interrupter in the sentence "It is hard to believe that my favorite time of year, Christmas, is nearly here!" is an appositive phrase providing additional information about "my favorite time of year." An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames another noun immediately preceding it.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The interrupter "Christmas" renames and provides more detail about "my favorite time of year."
Option B:
Incorrect. There is no participial phrase interrupting the sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only option A is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. Option A is correct.
3.
What is the participial phrase in this sentence?The happy coach waved at the fans cheering in the upper deck.
A) The happy coach.
B) Waved at the fans.
C) Cheering in the upper deck.
D) Coach waved at the fans.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The participial phrase in the sentence is "cheering in the upper deck." This phrase modifies "fans" and provides additional information about their state or action at the time of waving by the coach.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. It refers to the subject, not a participial phrase.
Option B:
Incorrect. This is the main verb phrase, not a participial phrase.
Option C:
Correct. "Cheering in the upper deck" functions as a participial phrase modifying "fans."
Option D:
Incorrect. It is a main verb phrase, not a participial phrase.
4.
Which sentence is not the appropriate change from the adverb clause to a participial phrase.Before I left home, I promised my parents that I would return.
A) Before leaving home, I promised my parents that I would return.
B) Before left home, I promised my parents that I would return.
C) I promised my parents that I would return before leaving home.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is the correct answer because it incorrectly changes "left" to "left," which should be in its gerund form "leaving" for a participial phrase. A participial phrase uses the -ing form of the verb, not the past tense.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correctly uses "leaving" as a participial phrase.
Option B:
Incorrectly uses "left," which is in the past tense and not suitable for a participial phrase.
Option C:
Rearranges the sentence but still correctly uses "leaving" as a participial phrase.
Option D:
Not applicable since one of the options (B) is incorrect.
5.
Discuss the effectiveness of the participial phrase in the sentence "Covered in mud, the dog happily ran through the house" in expressing the dog's actions and the possible consequences.
A) Through the house.
B) The dogTagsDOK Level 3:Strategic Thinking.
C) The dog happily ran.
D) Covered in mud.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The participial phrase "Covered in mud" effectively describes the state of the dog at the beginning of the sentence, providing a vivid image and context for the reader. This phrase is an adjective that modifies the subject "the dog," indicating how it looked before performing its action.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Through the house - This option describes where the dog ran but does not provide information about the dog's state or appearance.
Option B:
The dog - This is the subject of the sentence and does not describe its state or action in detail.
Option C:
The dog happily ran - This option combines the participial phrase with the main verb, but it omits the description of the dog's appearance.
Option D:
Covered in mud - This is correct because it accurately describes the state of the dog using a participial phrase that modifies "the dog," setting up the scene for the reader before describing its action.
6.
Mother found an old trunk looking for something in the attic.
A) Dangling.
B) Misplaced.
C) Correct.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Mother found an old trunk looking for something in the attic." contains a participial phrase ("looking for something"). This phrase is correctly used to provide additional information about the subject (mother) without interrupting the flow of the sentence. Therefore, option B) Misplaced is incorrect.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Dangling - Incorrect as the participial phrase "looking for something" properly modifies the subject "Mother."
Option B:
Misplaced - Incorrect as the participial phrase is correctly placed and functioning properly.
Option C:
Correct - This is the correct answer because the sentence structure is grammatically sound with a well-placed participial phrase.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect since option C is correct.
7.
Identify the participial phrase in the following sentence:The hikers, surprised by the sudden rain, quickly put on their jackets.
A) Quickly put on.
B) Surprised by the sudden rain.
C) By the sudden rain.
D) Put on their jackets.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A participial phrase consists of a present or past participle and any modifiers, complements, or objects that go with it. In the sentence "The hikers, surprised by the sudden rain, quickly put on their jackets," the phrase "surprised by the sudden rain" is a participial phrase because it uses the past participle "surprised" to describe the subject "hikers."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This describes an action, not a participial phrase.
Option B:
Correct. Uses a past participle and modifies the subject "hikers."
Option C:
This is incomplete; it lacks the participle and modifiers needed for a participial phrase.
Option D:
Describes an action, not a participial phrase.
8.
Which of the following sentences correctly uses a comma with a participial phrase?
A) Tired from the long day at work he went, straight to bed.
B) Tired from the long day at work he went straight to bed.
C) Tired from the long day at work, he went straight to bed.
D) Tired from the long day at work he, went straight to bed.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C correctly uses a comma to separate the participial phrase "Tired from the long day at work" from the main clause "he went straight to bed." This is necessary because the participial phrase provides additional information about the subject but is not essential to the meaning of the sentence. The comma ensures proper readability and clarity.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect placement of comma; it should be after "bed" for clarity.
Option B:
No comma, making the sentence run-on without clear separation between phrases.
Option C:
Correct use of a comma to separate the participial phrase from the main clause.
Option D:
Incorrect placement of comma; it should be after "bed" for clarity.
9.
..... , the table looks strong.
A) Grown in a sunny garden.
B) Covered with leaves.
C) Made of wood.
D) Told by a funny man.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The participial phrase "Made of wood" correctly modifies the subject "table," providing additional information about its composition. This phrase is a participle (made) plus its associated noun (wood), functioning as an adjective to describe the table's material.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Grown in a sunny garden - Incorrect, as it describes where the table might be located or how it was grown, not its composition.
Option B:
Covered with leaves - Incorrect, as this suggests the table's current state rather than its material composition.
Option C:
Made of wood - Correct, as it directly describes the table’s material using a participial phrase.
Option D:
Told by a funny man - Incorrect, as this is unrelated to describing the table's physical properties or composition.
10.
In which sentence is a noun and participial phrase capitalized?
A) The colorful BIRDS BUILDING A NEST are orioles.
B) Birds at our feeder flew away when THEY SAW A HAWK.
C) It is amazing that BIRDS ARE ABLE TO FLY.
D) The DUCK WAS WADDLING ACROSS the grassy field.
Show Answer
Explanations:
In Option A, "BUILDING" is part of a participial phrase modifying "BIRDS," and it is correctly capitalized as it begins the phrase that follows "BIRDS." This capitalization indicates it's an integral part of the description.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "BUILDING" in a participial phrase modifying "BIRDS" and thus capitalized.
Option B:
Incorrect. No capitalization needed for "SAW" or "A HAWK."
Option C:
Incorrect. "ARE ABLE TO FLY" is a participial phrase but not capitalized as it's part of the main clause.
Option D:
Incorrect. "WAS WADDLING" in a participial phrase modifying "DUCK" and should be capitalized for correct usage.
11.
A past participle will have the following ending
A) -ing.
B) -ed.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The past participle form of a verb typically ends in -ed, though there are exceptions (e.g., irregular verbs like "gone" or "seen"). Since the question asks about the ending of a past participle and given that B) -ed is correct for regular verbs, this answer is accurate.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The -ing form indicates present participles, not past participles.
Option B:
Correct. Regular past participles end in -ed.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option suggests all endings are possible, which is false for regular verbs.
Option D:
Incorrect. At least one correct ending exists (-ed).
12.
Identify the participial phrase in the following sentence:Running quickly through the forest, the deer and its young soon disappeared from sight.
A) Running quickly through the forest.
B) From sight.
C) Disappeared from sight.
D) Soon disappeared.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The participial phrase in the sentence is "Running quickly through the forest." This phrase modifies "the deer and its young" by describing how they disappeared.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. It functions as a participial phrase modifying the subject.
Option B:
Incorrect. It is not a participial phrase but indicates where something was seen or went out of sight.
Option C:
Incorrect. This is the main verb phrase indicating what happened to the deer and its young.
Option D:
Incorrect. This describes an action that occurred, not a participial phrase.
13.
In the following sentence, which word does the participial phrase modify?The dogs greeted their owner at the door, barking loudly.
A) Door.
B) Dogs.
C) Loudly.
D) Owner.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The participial phrase "barking loudly" modifies the subject "dogs." It describes an action that is happening simultaneously with the dogs greeting their owner at the door.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Door. Incorrect, as the door is not performing the action described by the participial phrase.
Option B:
Dogs. Correct, as "barking loudly" describes an action performed by the dogs.
Option C:
Loudly. Incorrect, as "loudly" is an adverb modifying the verb "barking," not a participial phrase itself.
Option D:
Owner. Incorrect, as the owner is not performing the action described by the participial phrase.
14.
What is a common way to correct a run-on sentence?
A) Remove the subject.
B) Use a semicolon or period to separate the clauses.
C) Add a comma.
D) Replace it with a fragment.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Using a semicolon or period to separate the clauses is correct because it effectively breaks down a run-on sentence into more manageable and grammatically sound parts, ensuring clarity in meaning and structure.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Removing the subject would not necessarily fix a run-on sentence as it might still contain multiple clauses without proper separation.
Option B:
Correct - using a semicolon or period to separate clauses is an appropriate method for correcting run-on sentences.
Option C:
Adding a comma typically does not suffice for separating independent clauses in a run-on sentence, as it may result in a comma splice error.
Option D:
Replacing the sentence with a fragment would not address the issue of multiple independent clauses and could lead to an incomplete thought.
15.
Identify the misplaced participial phrase in the following sentence: "Running quickly, the bus was missed by the student."
A) By the student.
B) The studentTagsDOK Level 3:Strategic Thinking.
C) Running quickly.
D) The bus was missed.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The participial phrase "Running quickly" is misplaced because it modifies the bus rather than the student, which is the intended subject of the sentence. The phrase should be placed closer to the noun it modifies: "The student missed the bus running quickly."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. This prepositional phrase does not affect the placement of the participial phrase.
Option B:
Incorrect. This is a distractor option and does not pertain to the grammatical structure in question.
Option C:
Correct. The participial phrase "Running quickly" should be placed before or after the student to properly modify them.
Option D:
Incorrect. This is a fragment of the main clause and does not address the misplaced participial issue.
16.
Identify the participial phrase in the following sentence. Then tell what word the phrase modifies.I believe I saw the maid climbing the stairs toward the forbidden room.
A) Climbing the stairs; it modifies 'I'.
B) The maid climbing the stairs; it modifies 'room'.
C) Climbing the stairs toward the forbidden room; it modifies 'maid'.
D) Climbing the forbidden room; it modifies 'stairs'.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The participial phrase "Climbing the stairs toward the forbidden room" modifies 'maid'. It provides additional information about how the maid is moving, indicating that she is in the process of climbing the stairs while heading towards the forbidden room. This phrase functions as an adjective to describe the state or action of the subject 'maid'.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The participial phrase does not modify 'I'.
Option B:
Incorrect. The phrase modifies the subject 'maid', not 'room'.
Option C:
Correct. This is the participial phrase that describes the maid's action of climbing stairs towards a specific room.
Option D:
Incorrect. The phrase does not modify 'stairs'; it modifies 'maid' by describing her action on and towards the stairs.
17.
My Mom and Dad always ate my discarded Halloween candy
A) Mom, Dad.
B) Ate.
C) Discarded.
D) Candy.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The participial phrase "Discarded" is correct because it describes the state of the Halloween candy before it was eaten by Mom and Dad. Participial phrases modify nouns and provide additional information about them, in this case, describing what happened to the candy.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Irrelevant as it refers to people's names.
Option B:
Incorrect as it is a verb form used here as part of a participial phrase, not the main verb of the sentence.
Option C:
Correct as "Discarded" functions as a past participle modifying "candy," providing additional information about its state before being eaten.
Option D:
Incorrect as it refers to the object that was acted upon, not the action itself in this context.
18.
Which of the following is a present participial phrase?
A) Balancing on his tiptoes.
B) Was reaching for the cookie jar.
C) Had reached for the cookie jar.
D) Reached for the cookie jar.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A participial phrase consists of a present participle (verb ending in -ing) and any modifiers, objects, or complements that go with it. In the given options, "Balancing on his tiptoes" is the only option that fits this description.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Present participial phrase (verb ending in -ing and functioning as a modifier).
Option B:
Verb in past continuous tense, not a present participle.
Option C:
Verb in past perfect tense, not a present participle.
Option D:
Simple past tense verb, not a participial phrase.
19.
Which part of the sentence is a participial phrase?Wearing a lei around her neck, the hula dancer moved to the rhythms of the ukulele.
A) The hula dancer.
B) Moved.
C) Moved to the music.
D) Wearing a lei around her neck.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The participial phrase in the sentence is "Wearing a lei around her neck." This phrase modifies "the hula dancer" and functions as an adjective, providing additional descriptive information about how the dancer moved.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
The subject of the sentence. Not a participial phrase.
Option B:
The verb in the main clause. Not a participial phrase.
Option C:
Does not describe the dancer's action or state. Not a participial phrase.
Option D:
Correct. Describes the hula dancer's appearance and action, functioning as an adjective.
20.
Determine the word modified by the participial phrase "filled with joy" in the sentence: "The child, filled with joy, opened the gift."
A) Child.
B) Joy.
C) Gift.
D) None of the Above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The participial phrase "filled with joy" modifies the noun "child." This is evident because the phrase directly describes the state of the subject, indicating that the child was in a state of joy when performing the action (opening the gift).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The participial phrase "filled with joy" modifies "child."
Option B:
Incorrect. "Joy" is not the direct object of the participial phrase; it's what the child was filled with.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Gift" is the object of the verb "opened," but not modified by the participial phrase.
Option D:
Incorrect. The correct answer identifies a specific noun in the sentence that is directly modified by the participial phrase.
21.
Floating on the surface of the pond, we say some beautiful water lilies.Arriving at the bank, ound that it was close.Arriving at the bank, we found that it was close.
A) Dangling.
B) Misplaced.
C) Correct.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The participial phrase "Arriving at the bank" is misplaced in this sentence, making it grammatically incorrect and awkwardly phrased. The phrase should modify a noun that follows it to make the meaning clear. In this case, it needs to be placed before or after the relevant noun.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Dangling - Incorrect because the participial phrase is not hanging without a subject.
Option B:
Misplaced - Correct. The phrase "Arriving at the bank" should be placed to properly modify its intended noun.
Option C:
Correct - Incorrect as the sentence structure is flawed and needs correction.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect because Option B correctly identifies the issue.
22.
Which part of the sentence is the participial phrase? Frightened by the thunder, the puppy hid under the bed.
A) The puppy hid.
B) Hid under the bed.
C) Frightened by the thunder.
D) By the thunder.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The participial phrase in the sentence "Frightened by the thunder, the puppy hid under the bed" is
C) Frightened by the thunder.
This phrase functions as an adjective, modifying "the puppy" and providing additional information about its state or condition.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
The sentence fragment "The puppy hid" does not contain a participial phrase. It is a simple verb phrase.
Option B:
"Hid under the bed" is a verb phrase, not a participial phrase. It describes an action taken by the subject but lacks the present participle form and preposition that define a participial phrase.
Option C:
Correct. The phrase "Frightened by the thunder" uses the past participle "frightened" with the preposition "by," functioning as an adjective to describe the subject's state or condition.
Option D:
"By the thunder" is a prepositional phrase, not a participial phrase. It lacks the present participle form that defines a participial phrase.
23.
In the sentence 'The crying baby needs to be comforted', what is the noun or pronoun modified by the participial phrase?
A) Needs.
B) Crying.
C) Baby.
D) Comforted.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The participial phrase "crying" modifies the noun "baby". In this sentence, "crying baby" functions as a noun phrase where "crying" is an adjective describing "baby".
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Needs does not get modified by any participial phrase in this sentence.
Option B:
Crying modifies the noun baby, making it correct.
Option C:
Baby is the noun being modified by "crying", so it cannot be the answer.
Option D:
Comforted does not modify any part of the sentence; it is the object of the verb needs.
24.
Which is the participial phrase?The road, winding in and out, was not easy to follow.
A) The road, winding in and out.
B) In and out.
C) Was not easy to follow.
D) Winding in and out.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A participial phrase consists of a present or past participle and any modifiers, complements, or objects that go with it. In the sentence "The road, winding in and out, was not easy to follow," the phrase "winding in and out" functions as a participial phrase describing the subject "the road."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This option includes the entire participial phrase along with the noun it modifies.
Option B:
This is part of the participial phrase but not a complete one.
Option C:
This is a predicate verb and does not function as a participial phrase.
Option D:
This is the correct answer, representing the full participial phrase "winding in and out."
25.
Participles act as ..... and end in .....
A) Adjectives;-ing, -d, -t, or-n.
B) Verbs;-los, -ly, -out.
C) Pronouns;-an, -our, -ginning.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Participles act as adjectives and end in -ing, -ed, -en, or -ted. This makes option A correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Participles function as adjectives and can end in -ing, -ed, -en, or -t.
Option B:
Incorrect; participles do not end with these suffixes.
Option C:
Incorrect; participles are not pronouns.
Option D:
Not correct as option A is accurate.
26.
Having a heavy suitcase, the conductor assisted me.Arriving at the bank, od that it was close.Arriving at the bank, we found that it was close.
A) Dangling.
B) Misplaced.
C) Correct.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Arriving at the bank, od that it was close" is an example of a dangling participial phrase because "Arriving at the bank" does not clearly modify any noun in the following clause. It appears to be incomplete and unclear.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct as "Arriving at the bank" is a dangling participial phrase.
Option B:
Incorrect, misplaced does not describe this grammatical issue accurately.
Option C:
Incorrect, the sentence structure is problematic but not correct.
Option D:
Incorrect, there is a clear grammatical issue here.
27.
What is the italic word modifying in the following sentence?Swaying to the music, the crowd of dancers moved as one.
A) Moved.
B) As one.
C) The crowd of dancers.
D) The music.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The italic word "swaying" in the sentence is part of a participial phrase that modifies "the crowd of dancers." This phrase describes how the crowd moved, indicating their manner of movement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Moved. - Incorrect. The verb "moved" is not directly modified by the participle "swaying."
Option B:
As one. - Incorrect. This phrase describes how the crowd moved together, but it is not directly modified by "swaying."
Option C:
The crowd of dancers. - Correct. The participial phrase "swaying to the music" modifies "the crowd of dancers," describing their manner of movement.
Option D:
The music. - Incorrect. The music is what caused the swaying, but it is not directly modified by "swaying."
28.
What is the noun or pronoun modified by the participial phrase in the sentence:'Exhausted from the run, the athlete collapsed'?
A) Exhausted.
B) Athlete.
C) Run.
D) Collapsed.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The participial phrase "Exhausted from the run" modifies the noun "athlete." The participle "Exhausted," derived from the verb "to exhaust," describes the state of the athlete after running.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Exhausted" is a participial form, not what it modifies.
Option B:
Correct. The athlete is the one who is exhausted from the run.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Run" is the object of the preposition in the participial phrase and is not modified by it.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Collapsed" is the main verb of the sentence, which follows the participial phrase and describes an action taken by the athlete.
29.
Printed on both sides, the test contained seventy-five questions about the American Revolution.
A) Printed on both sides.
B) The test.
C) Contained seventy-five questions.
D) About the American Revolution.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The participial phrase "Printed on both sides" modifies the subject "the test," indicating how the test was produced. This phrase provides essential information about the physical characteristics of the test, which is relevant to understanding its structure and layout.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The participial phrase "Printed on both sides" modifies "the test," providing specific details about its production.
Option B:
Incorrect. "The test" is the subject and does not contain a modifying phrase in this sentence structure.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Contained seventy-five questions" is the main verb phrase, describing what the test includes but not its physical characteristics.
Option D:
Incorrect. "About the American Revolution" describes the content of the questions but does not modify how the test was produced.
30.
Max ran toward the cake falling off the table.
A) Falling off the table.
B) The cake.
C) Toward.
D) Max.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The participial phrase "Falling off the table" correctly modifies "cake," indicating the state or action of the cake that influenced Max's movement. This phrase provides additional information about why Max ran toward something.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Participial phrases can modify nouns and provide descriptive actions or states.
Option B:
Incorrect. "The cake" is the noun being modified, not the participial phrase.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Toward" is a preposition, not a participial phrase.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Max" is the subject of the sentence and does not function as a participial phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are participial phrases and how do they function in sentences?
Participial phrases consist of a present or past participle and any modifiers, objects, or complements. They function as adjectives to modify nouns or clauses, providing additional information about the subject's state or action.
How can I identify misplaced participial phrases in a sentence?
Misplaced participial phrases occur when the phrase is not close enough to the noun it modifies, potentially causing confusion. To identify them, check if the participle clearly describes the intended noun or clause.
Can you explain how participial phrases modify clauses?
Participial phrases can modify entire clauses, not just nouns. They describe the state or action of a subject within that clause, providing additional context and detail.
What is the difference between participial phrases and appositive phrases?
Participial phrases function as adjectives, modifying nouns or clauses to provide additional information. Appositive phrases, on the other hand, rename or explain a noun without acting as an adjective.
How do participial phrases contribute to complex sentences?
Participial phrases in complex sentences add depth and detail, often linking clauses by describing the actions or states of subjects. This enhances sentence structure and clarity.