GED Reasoning Through Language ArtsLanguage Conventions and UsageHard
A student is writing an essay and wants to vary sentence structure by starting a sentence with an introductory participial phrase. Which sentence correctly uses an introductory participial phrase?
- ARunning quickly, the finish line was soon in sight for the athlete.
- BSinging loudly, the entire audience enjoyed the performance.
- CHaving studied diligently, he felt confident about the upcoming exam.
- DExcited by the news, the celebration began immediately.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Having studied diligently, he felt confident about the upcoming exam.
Option B correctly uses an introductory participial phrase ('Having studied diligently') that logically modifies the subject of the main clause ('he'). Options A, C, and D contain dangling participles where the phrase does not logically modify the subject of the main clause.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect. 'Running quickly' dangles; it seems to modify 'the finish line' instead of 'the athlete.'
- B. Incorrect. 'Singing loudly' dangles; it seems to modify 'the entire audience' instead of the performer(s).
- D. Incorrect. 'Excited by the news' dangles; it seems to modify 'the celebration' instead of the people who were excited.
Introductory Participial Phrase
An introductory participial phrase begins with a participle (verb form ending in -ing, -ed, or -en) and functions as an adjective, modifying the subject of the main clause. It is always followed by a comma.
- Starts with a present (-ing) or past (-ed/-en) participle.
- Functions as an adjective modifying the sentence's subject.
- Must be followed by a comma.
- Avoids dangling participles by ensuring it clearly modifies the subject.
Memory trick: Start strong, then comma, then clear subject.