Understanding Participial Phrases

The video tutorial discusses issues with participial phrases, particularly when they are separated by commas from the main clause. It introduces a test to check if participial phrases modify the correct subject by using the passive voice form of the participle. Examples are provided to illustrate common errors, such as when participial phrases are incorrectly used in an adverbial function. The tutorial emphasizes that participial phrases should modify the subject of the main clause and concludes with a summary of key points.

What is a common issue with participial phrases when they are separated by a comma from the main clause?

• They always modify the verb.

• They never modify the subject.

• They are always adverbial.

• They often modify the wrong subject.

What is the purpose of the test mentioned in the video for participial phrases?

• To determine if the participial phrase is adverbial.

• To see if the participial phrase can stand alone.

• To ensure the participial phrase modifies the correct subject.

• To check if the participial phrase modifies the verb.

In the sentence 'Seen from a distance, New York looks great', what does the participial phrase modify?

• The distance

• The verb 'looks'

• The adjective 'great'

• The subject 'New York'

Why is the sentence 'Based on false reports, the suspect was arrested' considered incorrect?

• Because 'based on' is not a participial phrase.

• Because it lacks a main clause.

• Because the suspect cannot be based on reports.

• Because it uses the wrong verb tense.

What is a more appropriate phrase to use instead of 'based on' in the sentence about the suspect?

• According to

• On the basis of

• In relation to

• With reference to

In the phrase 'universally revered Sandor', what is the issue with the participial phrase?

• It is in the wrong tense.

• It is not separated by a comma.

• It modifies the wrong subject.

• It is not a participial phrase.

What is the main takeaway regarding participial phrases from the video?

• They can stand alone as sentences.

• They should never be separated by commas.

• They should always be adverbial.

• They must modify the intended subject.