Prepositional Phrase or Infinitive Phrase
Verbal Phrase
Function?
Verb or Predicate Phrases
(Grammar Blocks)
Present Participle:
Dangling or A-OK?
200

The kids walked to the corner store.

prepositional phrase

200

Being the oldest is a big responsibility.

subject

(tells what)

200

explains

past tense


200

Melting in the sun, the ice cream dripped down his arm.

A-OK

Modifies 'ice cream'

300
To Tammy, the whole issue seemed silly.

prepositional phrase

300

I would love to get together soon.

direct object

300

looking and listening

300

Wagging her tail, the dog begged for a treat.

A-OK

modifies 'dog'

400

I want to dream the impossible dream!

infinitive phrase

400

My dream is to own my own business.

subject complement

400

might be sleeping

past perfect progressive


400

Barking loudly, the postman jumped when the dog came to the door.

Dangling! 

Barking does not modify 'the postman.'


500

Mom has errands to run.

infinitive phrase

500

We have several projects hanging over our heads this weekend.

modifies 'projects'

500

will seek help

500

Singing too softly, the choir drowned out Sophie's voice.

Dangling! 

The choir is not singing too softly.

640

After being in a coma for three weeks, the patient finally came to.

prepositional phrase 

(part of a phrasal verb)

640

To tell the truth, I always preferred strawberry jam.

adverbial

(how or why)

640

felt funny

640

Melting in the sun, the boy licked the ice cream off his arm.

Dangling!


Melting does NOT modify 'boy' -- UNLESS the BOY is the one who's melting!

(This is called 'amphiboly.')