Verbals - Participles and Participial Phrases

Participle and Participial Phrases

By Tammy Davis

​A participle is a word that is formed from a verb but used as an adjective.
Participles come in two forms: past and present. Present participles end in "-ing".
Past participles usually end in "-ed,” but there are many irregular past participles that end in "-ed".

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Dripping with sweat, the athlete crossed the finish line.

Noun or pronoun the participial phrase is modifying?

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Packed with extra supplies, the backpack felt heavier than usual.

Noun or pronoun the participial phrase is modifying?

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The soccer ball covered in mud rolled into the goal

Noun or pronoun the participial phrase is modifying?

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Focused on the task, Jeremy ignored the distractions around him.

Noun or pronoun the participial phrase is modifying?

Multiple Choice

identify whether the bolded phrase is a gerund, infinitive, or participial phrase:

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Jumping over the puddle, the child landed safely.

• gerund phrase

• infinitive phrase

• participial phrase

Multiple Choice

identify whether the bolded phrase is a gerund, infinitive, or participial phrase:

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To win the championship is their ultimate goal.

• gerund phrase

• infinitive phrase

• participial phrase

Multiple Choice

identify whether the bolded phrase is a gerund, infinitive, or participial phrase:

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Reading novels is her favorite weekend activity.

• gerund phrase

• infinitive phrase

• participial phrase