Writing Effective Sentences Unit 1

Lesson 2 Simple sentences with phrases (and action verbs) OBJECTIVES: After completing this lesson, you should be able to identify prepositional phrases in a simple sentence identify participial phrases in a simple sentence identify infinitive phrases in a simple sentence

2A The prepositional phrase A group of two or more related words that do not contain a subject/verb combination is known as a phrase. Phrases are classified into three major types: prepositional, participial, and infinitive. Prepositional phrases begin with a prepositional and typically end with a noun or pronoun. The preposition connects its object (the noun or pronoun) to some other part of the sentence.

The most commonly used prepositions are shown below: aboutaroundbyinoverunder afteratduringofthroughupon againstbeforeforontowith amongbetweenfromouttowardwithin

The prepositional phrases in these simple sentences are enclosed in parentheses: Most (of the members) completed their duties (before noon.) (In the morning) we drove the truck (to Los Angeles.) The driver spent (over ten hours) (behind the wheel) (of his car.)

Application 2-1 Place parentheses around the prepositional phrases in these sentences. 1.Their family has lived here for many years. 2.All of our members paid their dues on time. 3.Within a few minutes the plane arrived at the gate.

4.We recognized her voice on the telephone. 5.The police directed everyone to the side of the street. 6.They left under orders from the governor. 7.Through the years the society prospered under her leadership. 8.Her mother looked for them among the trees behind the hill.

9.Within a few minutes the ground was soaked form the rain. 10.President Larson spoke against the measure in the afternoon.

2B The participial phrase Participles are special verb forms. Present participles end in ing; past participles generally have the same ending as the past tense of the verb (in many cases, ed). Participial phrases begin with a participle and end with an object or with a modifier. Examples follow:

That car (standing there) costs a great deal. (Walking quietly,) they avoided (being heard.) (Amazed (by the judge’s decision,) the lawyer turned around. As shown in the third example sentence above, a phrase ix sometimes included within another phrase. In this case, a prepositional phrase is included in a participial phrase.

Application 2-2 Place parentheses around the participial phrases in sentence Those people applying late were turned down. 2.Beginning tomorrow, deliveries will be made on Tuesdays.

3.All buildings requiring paint are located in the north part of town. 4.Needed immediately, she wasted no time getting there. 5.We ate every hamburger served on a fresh bun.

2C The infinitive phrase Infinitives are special verb forms that usually consist of the word “to” followed by a verb. Infinitive phrases begin with an infinitive and end with an object or a modifier. Examples of infinitive phrases in simple sentences follow:

Our new supervisor asked each person (to bring a notebook.) (To complete the job,) we were required (to work long hours.) The usher told us (to enter quietly.) He reminded us (to ask (for directions.)

Application 2-3 Place parentheses around the infinitive phrases in the following sentences. 1.Everyone expected to receive the shipment before Friday. 2.I asked them to writer legibly.

3.We tried to stop the car in time to avoid the accident. 4.To get to the stage, we had to enter through the side door. 5.Ms. Baker was instructed to begin the meeting at two o’clock.