MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Writing Practice Test

What is a participial phrase?

1. A phrase that provides a command

2. A phrase that includes an action verb

3. A phrase that modifies a noun and includes a participle

4. A phrase that states facts

The correct answer is: A phrase that modifies a noun and includes a participle

A participial phrase is defined as a phrase that modifies a noun and includes a participle, which is a verb form that typically ends in -ing or -ed (though there are irregular forms as well). This type of phrase adds detail to a sentence by describing or providing more information about a noun. For example, in the sentence "The cat, sleeping on the windowsill, is very lazy," the participial phrase "sleeping on the windowsill" modifies the noun "cat." It informs us about the state or action associated with the cat, illustrating how participial phrases can effectively enhance writing by adding descriptive elements. This distinction is crucial because it highlights the participial phrase's role in enhancing clarity and detail in sentences, demonstrating its function as a modifier rather than simply an action or command.