Present Participle Phrases (using "-ing" form of the verb)
* Running quickly, the dog chased the squirrel up a tree.
* *Function:* Describes the dog.
* Whispering secrets, the children huddled together.
* *Function:* Tells us how the children were huddled.
* Having eaten all the cookies, the child felt guilty.
* *Function:* Explains why the child felt guilty.
Past Participle Phrases (using the "-ed" form of the verb or other past participle forms)
* Forgotten in the attic, the old photo album was covered in dust.
* *Function:* Describes the photo album.
* Surprised by the sudden noise, the cat jumped onto the table.
* *Function:* Explains why the cat jumped.
* Born in a small town, the author became a famous novelist.
* *Function:* Describes the author.
Other Points to Consider:
* Placement: Participle phrases usually come before the noun they modify, but they can also come after.
* Example: The book, written by a famous historian, was full of interesting facts.
* Commas: Use commas to separate participle phrases from the main clause if they are not essential to the meaning of the sentence.
* Example: The dog, wagging its tail, ran to greet its owner.
* Subject-Verb Agreement: The participle phrase usually modifies the subject of the sentence, so ensure subject-verb agreement.
* Example: The carving intricate details into the wood was a long and meticulous process. (The subject is "carving," not "details.")
Remember: A participle phrase acts like an adjective and modifies a noun or pronoun in the sentence. It adds detail and description.