Definitions
A word or phrase that contains required information the reader must know in order to fully understand the sentence.
Essential Element
Running quickly, the boy caught up with the dog.
Participial
Adds information to the main clause, often about a location or timing.
Prepositional
arrogance
hubris
profitable
lucrative
A type of verbal. That means that they’re formed from verbs, but don’t act as verbs. They act as adjectives
Participles
After the severe spring thunderstorm, the sky turned gold.
Prepositional
Provides information to the reader, often about why something is happening.
Infinitive
deceitful
fallacious
fanatic
zealot
Nonessential Element
To get to the store, turn left at Oak Street.
Infinitive
Offers an alternative description of a noun in the sentence.
Appositive
intrusive
encroaching
stubborn
tenacious
Consists of a participle and its complements or modifiers.
Participial Phrase
Completely oblivious to the rain, the children continued to play outside.
Absolute
Adds information to the main clause, providing context for the reader to interpret the rest of the sentence.
Absolute
scarcity
dearth
alleviate
mitigate
It is unclear which noun the participial phrase is modifying
Dangling Participle
A fine mouser, my cat caught every rodent that dared to come in the house.
Appositive
It sets the stage for the main clause, allowing the reader to understand the context of what is happening.
Participial
creating conflict
divisive
cliche
trite