Absolute Phrase
Appositive Phrase
Prepositional Phrase
Participial Phrase
Gerund Phrase
1

Underline the absolute phrase(s) in the sentence below!


She waited patiently for the bus, her arms folded across her chest and her gaze fixed on the distant horizon, as the evening breeze stirred the quiet street.

1. her arms folded across her chest 

2. her gaze fixed on the distant horizon

1

In the following sentence, underline the appositive phrase(s) in the sentence. Then circle the noun that it describes.


A brilliant musician and composer, Clara had the unique ability to capture emotion in every note she played.

Underline: A brilliant musician and composer


Circle: Clara

1

For the following sentence, underline the prepositional phrase(s) and write whether it is describing when, where, or identifying a noun.


On the treeline, the deer stood perfectly still, listening.

Underline: On the edge; of the forest

Where

1

In the following sentence, underline the participial phrase(s). Then write whether it is past tense or present tense.


Glancing nervously at her watch, Maria realized she was running late for the meeting.

Underline: Glancing nervously at her watch


Present

1

In the sentence below, underline the gerund phrase(s).


Climbing mountains is one of Lucas's favorite weekend activities.

Underline: Climbing mountains
2

Underline the absolute phrase(s) in the sentence below.


John walked into the interview room with steady steps, his confidence restored and his mind clear, ready to make the best impression possible.

1. his confidence restored

2. his mind clear

2

In the following sentence, underline the appositive phrase(s) in the sentence. Then circle the noun that it describes.


The conference featured Dr. Evans, a renowned astrophysicist, who gave a fascinating talk on dark matter.

Underline: a renowned astrophysicist


Circle: Dr. Evans

2

For the following sentence, underline the prepositional phrase(s) and write whether it is describing when, where, or identifying a noun.


The children played happily, in the glow of the afternoon sun, while their parents watched nearby.

Underline: in the glow; of the afternoon sun

Where; Identify Noun


2

In the following sentence, underline the participial phrase(s). Then write whether it is past tense or present tense.

The cat lay on the windowsill, basking in the warmth of the afternoon sun.

 Underline: Basking in the warmth of the afternoon


Present

2

In the sentence below, underline the gerund phrase(s).


Sarah enjoys cooking meals for her family, especially trying new recipes.

Underline: cooking meals for her family

3

Underline the absolute phrase(s) in the sentence below. 


They held onto their seats as the car sped down the winding road, the tires screeching and the wind roaring through the open windows, adding a thrill to their late-night drive.

1. the tires screeching

2. the wind roaring through the open windows

3

In the following sentence, underline the appositive phrase(s) in the sentence. Then circle the noun that it describes.


Mia, a talented chef, opened her new restaurant in the heart of the city, while her partner, an experienced sommelier, curated the wine list.

Underline: a talented chef; an experienced sommelier


Circle: Mia; partner

3

For the following sentence, underline the prepositional phrase(s) and write whether it is describing when, where, or identifying a noun.


The cabin, nestled among tall pine trees, had a breathtaking view of the shimmering lake below.

Underline: among tall pine trees; of the shimmering lake


Where; Identify Noun

3

In the following sentence, underline the participial phrase(s). Then write whether it is past tense or present tense.


Ethan, exhausted from the long hike, collapsed onto the soft grass, catching his breath as he gazed at the sky.

Underline: exhausted from the long hike; catching his breath as he gazed at the sky


Past, Present

3

In the sentence below, underline the gerund phrase(s).


Reading classic novels and analyzing poetry are two of Jenna’s preferred ways to spend a quiet evening.  

Underline: Reading classic novels; analyzing poetry 

4

Underline the absolute phrase(s) in the sentence below.


The sun setting behind the mountains, casting long shadows over the valley, the entire landscape was bathed in a warm, golden glow that seemed to soften every edge.

1. The sun setting behind the mountains

4

In the following sentence, underline the appositive phrase(s) in the sentence. Then circle the noun that it describes.


The old manor, a sprawling estate with ivy-covered walls, stood abandoned at the end of the lane, and the caretaker, a quiet man with a mysterious past, was the only one who knew the secrets hidden within its crumbling walls.

Underline: a sprawling estate with ivy-covered walls; a quiet man with a mysterious past


Circle: manor; caretaker

4

For the following sentence, underline the prepositional phrase(s) and write whether it is describing when, where, or identifying a noun.


We wandered through the bustling marketplace, filled with exotic spices and colorful fabrics, under a sky darkening with clouds, as a storm threatened to roll in.

Underline: Through the bustling marketplace; with exotic spices and colorful fabrics; under a sky; with clouds


Where; Identify Noun; Where; Identify Noun

4

In the following sentence, underline the participial phrase(s). Then write whether it is past tense or present tense.


The artist, studying her canvas with a critical eye, adjusted the colors with careful strokes, blending shades and textures to capture the perfect mood of the scene.

Underline: studying her canvas with a critical eye; blending shades and textures to capture the perfect mood of the scene


Present; Present

4

In the sentence below, underline the gerund phrase(s).


Jake, excelling in his studies and participating in multiple clubs, managed to balance his social life with his academic responsibilities.

Underline: excelling in his studies; participating in multiple clubs
5

Underline the absolute phrase(s) in the sentence below.


The city lights twinkling far below and the cool night air brushing against his face, Danny leaned over the edge of the rooftop, his heart racing with a mix of excitement and nerves, as he imagined what his life would look like in the months to come, each decision he had made leading him closer to this very moment, while the sounds of distant traffic filled the silence, grounding him in the reality of the bustling city he called home.

1. The city lights twinkling far below

2. the cool night air brushing against his face

3. his heart racing with a mix of excitement and nerves

4. each decision he made leading him closer to this very moment

5

In the following sentence, underline the appositive phrase(s) in the sentence. Then circle the noun that it describes.


 A passionate naturalist and skilled photographer, Liam trekked through the dense rainforest, and his camera, a trusted companion, slung over his shoulder as he searched for rare species hidden beneath the thick canopy; each discovery, a new marvel of vibrant colors and textures, was carefully documented in his field journal, an extensive record of his travels and observations, creating a collection that he hoped would someday inspire others to protect these fragile ecosystems.

Underline: a passionate naturalist and skilled photographer; a trusted companion; a new marvel of vibrant colors and textures; an extensive record of his travels and observations.


Circle: Liam; companion; discovery; journal

5

For the following sentence, underline the prepositional phrase(s) and write whether it is describing when, where, or identifying a noun.


In the quiet hours before dawn, a lone fisherman set out across the mist-covered lake, his boat cutting silently through the water as the first hints of sunlight crept over the horizon, casting a soft golden glow onto the still surface, while distant birds began to stir in the trees, their calls echoing faintly through the morning air.

In the quiet hours; before dawn; across the mist-covered lake; through the water; of sunlight; onto the still surface; in the trees; through the morning air.


When; When; Where; Where; Identify Noun; Where; Where; Where

5

In the following sentence, underline the participial phrase(s). Then write whether it is past tense or present tense.


Standing at the edge of the cliff, the photographer adjusted his lens, capturing the rolling waves crashing against the rocks below and framing the golden light spilling over the horizon, as he sought to immortalize the beauty of dawn in a single, perfect shot.  

Underline: Standing at the edge of the cliff; capturing the rolling waves crashing against the rocks below; framing the golden light spilling over the horizon


Present; present; present

5

In the sentence below, underline the gerund phrase(s).


Writing detailed notes for each class, studying with friends in the library, and attending every lecture without fail helped Maria stay on top of her coursework, allowing her to maintain excellent grades while also gaining a deep understanding of her major.

Underline: Writing detailed notes for each class; studying with friends in the library; attending every lecture