1. Present participial phrase: This phrase starts with a present participle (a verb ending in -ing) and acts as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun.
* Example: Running down the street, the dog chased a squirrel. ("Running down the street" modifies "dog").
2. Past participial phrase: This phrase starts with a past participle (a verb ending in -ed, -en, or -t) and also acts as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun.
* Example: Surrounded by mountains, the village was peaceful. ("Surrounded by mountains" modifies "village").
3. Perfect participial phrase: This phrase combines a past participle with "having" or "having been" and acts as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun.
* Example: Having finished the game, the children went home. ("Having finished the game" modifies "children").
Let me know if you would like examples of how these phrases function in different contexts.