A participial phrase is built around a participle and describes a noun or pronoun. It can begin with an -ing form such as carrying or a past participle such as written. It can also contain objects, complements, or modifiers.
Participial phrases in sentences
- Carrying two maps, Mina hurried to the gate. The opening phrase describes Mina. Use a comma after it.
- The notice written in red ink is for the crew. The phrase identifies which notice. It takes no commas.
- The notice, written in red ink, was easy to spot. Here the phrase adds a detail about an already identified notice. Commas set it off.
How to fix a dangling phrase
In Carrying two maps, the gate came into view, the opening phrase appears to describe the gate. Put the person carrying the maps in the subject position. Carrying two maps, Mina approached the gate.
