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