NONFINITE VERB PHRASES examples
Exercise
1. The Senator [NP1] has served [MVtr] eight terms in Congress [NP2] = Type V
2. Margaret [NP1] planned [MVtr] her first solo flight in a single-engine plane [NP2] = Type V
3. Margaret [NP1] practiced [MVtr] simulated flight on her computer [NP2] = Type V
4. Douglas [NP1] quickly dominated [MVtr] his opponent [NP2] = Type V
Exercise 12.2
A.
1. Alarming = adjective: a very alarming idea; an even more alarming idea; the idea was very alarming.
2. Winning = participle: * a very winning team; *a more/most winning team; *the team was very winning.
3 . G o verning = part i c i p l e : *a very go verning board ; *a more/most go verning board ; *the board was very go vern i n g.
4. Thrilling = adjective: a very thrilling story; a rather thrilling story; the story was very thrilling.
5. Pro m i s i n g = adjective : a very promising solution; a more/most promising solution; the solution was very pro m i s i n g.
Growing = participle: *a very growing population; *a more/most growing population; *the population was
very growing.
6. Dining = participle: *a very dining club; *a more/most dining club; *the clubs were very dining.
EX–64 EX ERCISE ANSWER KEY
B.
2. To pitch for a winning softball team = Nominal infinitive phrase, direct object of had hoped.
Type I: (Sandra) [NP1] pitches [MVint] for a winning softball team [ADVP].
3. To serve on a governing board = nominal infinitive phrase, direct object of had longed.
Type I: (Homer) [NP1] serves [MVint] on a governing board [ADVP].
5. To consider promising solutions to the transportation problems of a growing population = nominal
infinitive phrase, subject complement (predicate nominative).
Type V: (Someone) [NP1] considers [MVtr] promising solutions to the transportation problems of a
growing population [NP2]
Exercise
Students should be encouraged to explore the reasons for the ambiguity.
1. If this means that the neurosurgeon stabbed a victim, then stabbing is a gerund, the object of the
preposition of. (The neurosurgeon is proud of stabbing the victim.) If the neurosurgeon is proud of
a victim who was stabbed, then stabbing is a participle modifying victim.
2 . If Jesse Jack s on was arrested because he stru ck a health work e r, then s triking is a geru n d , the object of
the preposition for. (He was arrested for striking the workers.) If the health workers were on strike,
then striking is a participle modifying Health Workers. (He was arrested at a rally for workers who
were striking.)
Exercise 12.4
This exercise can be done individually or in small groups before class discussion.
1. Attending the ethnic festival = adjectival participle phrase, modifies everyone; can be paraphrased with
a relative clause (everyone who was attending).
The intense, rhythmic drumming at the opening ceremony = gerund phrase; nominal; object of the
preposition on.
Opening = adjectival participle, modifies ceremony.
2 . S e a rching for the perfect beach = adve rbial participle ph ra s e, modifies s p e n d s; an adve rb can substitute ( S h e
spends many weekends watch f u l l y ).Ho w can substitute in w h- q u e s t i on (How does she spend many we e k e n d s ?) .
3. Day-dreaming about wooden boats = gerund phrase; nominal; subject of the sentence. (Something/it
seemed to be occupying more and more of An t on i o’s time. What seemed to be occupying his time?)
Occupying is a present participle functioning as part of the main verb was occupying.
4. Cooking on the stove = adjectival participle phrase, modifies soup; can be paraphrased with relative
clause (the soup that is cooking on the stove).
5. Searching for the Picasso Museum = adverbial participle phrase; modifies paused. An adverb clause can
substitute (She paused while she was searching for the Picasso Museum.) When can substitute in whquestion
(When did she pause?). Can be moved (Helen paused, while searching for the Picasso Museum,
to admire a garden.)
EX ERCISE ANSWER KEY EX–65
Exercise 12.5
1. proposing = gerund (nominal). It functions as direct object (Jerry tried something), but it fails the
noun tests (*the proposing; *three proposings).
frustrating = adjective derived from a participle. It is an object complement in relation to the direct
object her answer, and also passes adjective tests (very frustrating; more frustrating).
2. visiting = gerund (nominal). It functions as the object of the preposition before; it can be replaced
with something (Before something); it can be replaced in a question with what (Before what?); and it
can be paraphrased with a possessive determiner (Before their visiting [at] Gettysberg). But it does
not pass the noun tests with articles (*a visiting; *the visiting), nor does it become plural (*visitings).
readings = noun derived from gerund. It functions as direct object of attended and passes the noun
tests (a reading, the reading; several readings).
3. explaining = participle (adverbial). It can be moved (The young chemistry professor, repeatedly
explaining . . . .); it can be paraphrased as a subordinate clause (While repeatedly explaining . . . ).
entering = gerund (nominal). It functions as the direct object of considered, but fails the noun tests
(*the entering; *three enterings).
4. cooking = participle (adjectival). It modifies class, but fails adjective tests (*very cooking class; *more
cooking class).
driving = participle (adjectival). It modifies tutorial, but fails adjective tests (*very driving tutorial;
*more driving tutorial).
5. seeing = gerund (nominal). Functions as object of preposition after, but does not pass noun tests (*a
seeing, *the seeing; *three seeings).
asking = participle (adverbial). It can be moved (Asking questions about authenticity, the class left.);
how can substitute for it in a wh-question (How did the class leave the cathedral?).
Exercise 12.6
1. Melody was encouraged by her coach’s praise.
2. The hikers were bitten by mosquitoes and burned by the sun.
3. Harold was driven by his need for attention.
4. Ernesto was described as almost a saint in his mother’s letters.
5. The Bagley brothers are named as heirs to their cousin’s estate.
Exercise 12.7
1. reclining in the main hall of the temple complex = restrictive (modifies Buddha)
sent by Sri Lankan monks = restrictive (modifies gifts)
2. buried in a mud slide = nonrestrictive (modifies Jaguar)
3. occupied by strangers = object complement of the family cabin
4. allegedly haunted by ghosts = nonrestrictive (modifies mansion)
5. searching for pearls = restrictive (modifies divers)
mistakenly believed by some to be part of Atlantis = nonrestrictive (modifies ruins)
EX–66 EX ERCISE ANSWER KEY
Exercise 12. 8
A.
1. driving a sleek, black convertible = adjectival (modifies woman; can be paraphrased as a relative clause:
who was driving a sleek, black convertible).
2. When trying to photograph flying bats = adverbial derived from the clause when she was trying to
photograph flying bats. (Wh-question: When did Carole use strobe lights? Adverb substitution:
Then Carole used strobe lights.)
flying = adjectival (modifies bats; can be paraphrased as a relative clause (that are flying).
recommended by the National Geographic Society = adjectival (modifies lights; can be paraphrased as a
relative clause: that were recommended by the National Geographic Society.)
3. had persuaded = main verb phrase
scheduled to depart in just two minutes = adjectival (modifies plane; can be paraphrased as a relative
clause: that was scheduled to depart in just two minutes).
4. Leaving for his night-shift job at the Air Force base = adverbial (Wh-question: When did Harry see a
UFO? Adverb substitution: Then Harry saw a UFO.)
enjoyed by the off-duty workers = adjectival (modifies bar; can be paraphrased as a relative clause: that
was enjoyed by the workers).
5. Hoping to avoid the crowds later in the day = adverbial (Wh-question: Why did Sam and Jennifer plan
on arriving before ten a.m.? Adverbial substitution: Sam and Jennifer planned on arriving before
ten a.m. for some reason.)
arriving = gerund, object of the preposition on (They planned on something.)
6. tuning the piano designated for the student competition = gerund, direct object of began.
designated for the student competition = adjectival (modifies piano; can be paraphrased as a relative
clause: that was designated for the student competition).
B.
2. to photograph flying bats = nominal, direct object of trying. Type V: Carole [NP1] photographed
[MVtr] flying bats [NP2].
3 . to let h er on a plane scheduled to depart in just two minutes = nom i n a l , object com p l e m e n t . Type V: T h e
t i cket agent [NP1] lets [MVt r] her [NP2] on a plane scheduled to depart in just two minutes [ADV P ] .
to depart in just two minutes = adverbial, modifies scheduled. Type I: The plane [NP1] departs
[MVint] in just two minutes [ADVP].
5. to avoid the crowds later in the day = nominal, direct object of hoping. Type V: Sam and Jennifer
[NP1] avoid [MVtr] the crowds [NP2] later in the day [ADVP].
Exercise 12.9
1. tested = participle: *very tested by Medici engineers in the Italian Alps; *more tested by Medici engineers
in the Italian Alps
designed = participle: *very designed in Milan; *more designed in Milan
EX ERCISE ANSWER KEY EX–67
2. disturbed = adjective: very disturbed by the noise; more disturbed.
3. baked = participle: *very baked rhubarb pie; *more baked rhubarb pie
4. relieved = adjective: felt very relieved; felt more relieved
5. relieved = participle (part of main verb): *a backup crew very relieved the fire fighters; *a backup crew
more relieved the fire fighters
tired = adjective: the very tired fire fighters; the most tired fire fighters
Exercise 12.10
This exercise can be done individually or in small groups before class discussion. Other solutions are
possible.
1. Dangling gerund (object of preposition to) - Suggests horses did the testing: In addition to having
their blood pressure, cholesterol, and electrolytes tested, the horses are also weighed or In addition to testing
their blood pressure, cholesterol, and electrolytes, vets also weigh the horses.
2. Dangling participle - We can’t tell who struggled: After struggling for over a year in pain and partial
paralysis, Roosevelt was told he would never walk again.
3. Misplaced modifier - With great reluctance seems to modify the verb repave. The government agreed
with great reluctance to repave the roads.
4. Dangling gerund phrase (object of preposition by) - Can be corrected by supplying a subject for
teach: Professor Baldwin hopes that if she teaches the causes of violence, her students will be better able to
deal with violence. An alternative is to introduce a new main verb, help, with its subject the same as
that of teaching: Professor Baldwin hopes that by teaching the causes of violence, she will help her students
be better able to deal with violence.
5. Dangling gerund phrase - It can best be corrected by making transportation system the subject of the
main clause: Prior to being dismantled in the early part of this century, the transportation system in
Southern California was a model for others.
6. Dangling participle - Can be corrected by giving both the participle and the main clause the same
subject: Having traveled halfway across the Pacific, Sharon Carpenter found the green island of Hawaii
a welcome sight when she first glimpsed it.
7. Dangling participle - We can’t tell who or what is burned: Burned on the outside but juicy inside, the
lamb roast on the g rill looked good to Jeff Smith, the “Frugal Gourmet.”
8. Dangling infinitive - Can be corrected by making the subject of the main clause the same as the
subject of the infinitive: To improve your writing style, you should avoid using clichés.
EX–68 EX ERCISE ANSWER KEY
Exercise 12.11
More than one solution is possible for each of these.
1. Culver Police: Shooting Victims Are Unhelpful
Culver Police: Victims of Shooting are Unhelpful
(But presumably not: Culver Police: Shooting Victims Is Unhelpful)
2. Internet Regulating Body Takes Action in Singapore
(But presumably not: Internet Is Regulating Body Acts in Singapore)
3. Mattel Recalls Dolls that Eat
4. Governor, Others Argue for Monument for Bombing Victims
5. Panel Urges Boards for Ethics of Cloning
6. Judge Says Police Withheld Crucial Facts in Case of Man Freed After 13 Years
7. Judge Delays Ruling on Principal Who Paddles
8. After 18 Years, Sisters Reunited in Checkout Line at Supermarket
9. N.J. Jails for Women Are in Need of a Face Lift
N.J.Women’s Jails in Need of a Face Lift
10. Dr. Ruth Talks with Newspaper Editors About Sex
Exercise 12.12
1. the muleta held low = The muleta was held low by him. Or He held the muleta low.
his feet firm = His feet were firm.
2. her arms spread wide = Her arms were spread wide. Or She spread her arms wide.
her eyes lifted toward the moon = Her eyes were lifted toward the moon by her. Or She lifted her
eyes toward the moon.
3. her glasses low across the bridge of her nose = Her glasses were low across the bridge of her nose.
4. his face pinched = His face was pinched.
his eyes shiny = His eyes were shiny.
5. noses smeared with suntan cream = Their noses were smeared with suntan cream. Or They smeared
their noses with suntan cream.
Exercise
1. The Senator [NP1] has served [MVtr] eight terms in Congress [NP2] = Type V
2. Margaret [NP1] planned [MVtr] her first solo flight in a single-engine plane [NP2] = Type V
3. Margaret [NP1] practiced [MVtr] simulated flight on her computer [NP2] = Type V
4. Douglas [NP1] quickly dominated [MVtr] his opponent [NP2] = Type V
Exercise 12.2
A.
1. Alarming = adjective: a very alarming idea; an even more alarming idea; the idea was very alarming.
2. Winning = participle: * a very winning team; *a more/most winning team; *the team was very winning.
3 . G o verning = part i c i p l e : *a very go verning board ; *a more/most go verning board ; *the board was very go vern i n g.
4. Thrilling = adjective: a very thrilling story; a rather thrilling story; the story was very thrilling.
5. Pro m i s i n g = adjective : a very promising solution; a more/most promising solution; the solution was very pro m i s i n g.
Growing = participle: *a very growing population; *a more/most growing population; *the population was
very growing.
6. Dining = participle: *a very dining club; *a more/most dining club; *the clubs were very dining.
EX–64 EX ERCISE ANSWER KEY
B.
2. To pitch for a winning softball team = Nominal infinitive phrase, direct object of had hoped.
Type I: (Sandra) [NP1] pitches [MVint] for a winning softball team [ADVP].
3. To serve on a governing board = nominal infinitive phrase, direct object of had longed.
Type I: (Homer) [NP1] serves [MVint] on a governing board [ADVP].
5. To consider promising solutions to the transportation problems of a growing population = nominal
infinitive phrase, subject complement (predicate nominative).
Type V: (Someone) [NP1] considers [MVtr] promising solutions to the transportation problems of a
growing population [NP2]
Exercise
Students should be encouraged to explore the reasons for the ambiguity.
1. If this means that the neurosurgeon stabbed a victim, then stabbing is a gerund, the object of the
preposition of. (The neurosurgeon is proud of stabbing the victim.) If the neurosurgeon is proud of
a victim who was stabbed, then stabbing is a participle modifying victim.
2 . If Jesse Jack s on was arrested because he stru ck a health work e r, then s triking is a geru n d , the object of
the preposition for. (He was arrested for striking the workers.) If the health workers were on strike,
then striking is a participle modifying Health Workers. (He was arrested at a rally for workers who
were striking.)
Exercise 12.4
This exercise can be done individually or in small groups before class discussion.
1. Attending the ethnic festival = adjectival participle phrase, modifies everyone; can be paraphrased with
a relative clause (everyone who was attending).
The intense, rhythmic drumming at the opening ceremony = gerund phrase; nominal; object of the
preposition on.
Opening = adjectival participle, modifies ceremony.
2 . S e a rching for the perfect beach = adve rbial participle ph ra s e, modifies s p e n d s; an adve rb can substitute ( S h e
spends many weekends watch f u l l y ).Ho w can substitute in w h- q u e s t i on (How does she spend many we e k e n d s ?) .
3. Day-dreaming about wooden boats = gerund phrase; nominal; subject of the sentence. (Something/it
seemed to be occupying more and more of An t on i o’s time. What seemed to be occupying his time?)
Occupying is a present participle functioning as part of the main verb was occupying.
4. Cooking on the stove = adjectival participle phrase, modifies soup; can be paraphrased with relative
clause (the soup that is cooking on the stove).
5. Searching for the Picasso Museum = adverbial participle phrase; modifies paused. An adverb clause can
substitute (She paused while she was searching for the Picasso Museum.) When can substitute in whquestion
(When did she pause?). Can be moved (Helen paused, while searching for the Picasso Museum,
to admire a garden.)
EX ERCISE ANSWER KEY EX–65
Exercise 12.5
1. proposing = gerund (nominal). It functions as direct object (Jerry tried something), but it fails the
noun tests (*the proposing; *three proposings).
frustrating = adjective derived from a participle. It is an object complement in relation to the direct
object her answer, and also passes adjective tests (very frustrating; more frustrating).
2. visiting = gerund (nominal). It functions as the object of the preposition before; it can be replaced
with something (Before something); it can be replaced in a question with what (Before what?); and it
can be paraphrased with a possessive determiner (Before their visiting [at] Gettysberg). But it does
not pass the noun tests with articles (*a visiting; *the visiting), nor does it become plural (*visitings).
readings = noun derived from gerund. It functions as direct object of attended and passes the noun
tests (a reading, the reading; several readings).
3. explaining = participle (adverbial). It can be moved (The young chemistry professor, repeatedly
explaining . . . .); it can be paraphrased as a subordinate clause (While repeatedly explaining . . . ).
entering = gerund (nominal). It functions as the direct object of considered, but fails the noun tests
(*the entering; *three enterings).
4. cooking = participle (adjectival). It modifies class, but fails adjective tests (*very cooking class; *more
cooking class).
driving = participle (adjectival). It modifies tutorial, but fails adjective tests (*very driving tutorial;
*more driving tutorial).
5. seeing = gerund (nominal). Functions as object of preposition after, but does not pass noun tests (*a
seeing, *the seeing; *three seeings).
asking = participle (adverbial). It can be moved (Asking questions about authenticity, the class left.);
how can substitute for it in a wh-question (How did the class leave the cathedral?).
Exercise 12.6
1. Melody was encouraged by her coach’s praise.
2. The hikers were bitten by mosquitoes and burned by the sun.
3. Harold was driven by his need for attention.
4. Ernesto was described as almost a saint in his mother’s letters.
5. The Bagley brothers are named as heirs to their cousin’s estate.
Exercise 12.7
1. reclining in the main hall of the temple complex = restrictive (modifies Buddha)
sent by Sri Lankan monks = restrictive (modifies gifts)
2. buried in a mud slide = nonrestrictive (modifies Jaguar)
3. occupied by strangers = object complement of the family cabin
4. allegedly haunted by ghosts = nonrestrictive (modifies mansion)
5. searching for pearls = restrictive (modifies divers)
mistakenly believed by some to be part of Atlantis = nonrestrictive (modifies ruins)
EX–66 EX ERCISE ANSWER KEY
Exercise 12. 8
A.
1. driving a sleek, black convertible = adjectival (modifies woman; can be paraphrased as a relative clause:
who was driving a sleek, black convertible).
2. When trying to photograph flying bats = adverbial derived from the clause when she was trying to
photograph flying bats. (Wh-question: When did Carole use strobe lights? Adverb substitution:
Then Carole used strobe lights.)
flying = adjectival (modifies bats; can be paraphrased as a relative clause (that are flying).
recommended by the National Geographic Society = adjectival (modifies lights; can be paraphrased as a
relative clause: that were recommended by the National Geographic Society.)
3. had persuaded = main verb phrase
scheduled to depart in just two minutes = adjectival (modifies plane; can be paraphrased as a relative
clause: that was scheduled to depart in just two minutes).
4. Leaving for his night-shift job at the Air Force base = adverbial (Wh-question: When did Harry see a
UFO? Adverb substitution: Then Harry saw a UFO.)
enjoyed by the off-duty workers = adjectival (modifies bar; can be paraphrased as a relative clause: that
was enjoyed by the workers).
5. Hoping to avoid the crowds later in the day = adverbial (Wh-question: Why did Sam and Jennifer plan
on arriving before ten a.m.? Adverbial substitution: Sam and Jennifer planned on arriving before
ten a.m. for some reason.)
arriving = gerund, object of the preposition on (They planned on something.)
6. tuning the piano designated for the student competition = gerund, direct object of began.
designated for the student competition = adjectival (modifies piano; can be paraphrased as a relative
clause: that was designated for the student competition).
B.
2. to photograph flying bats = nominal, direct object of trying. Type V: Carole [NP1] photographed
[MVtr] flying bats [NP2].
3 . to let h er on a plane scheduled to depart in just two minutes = nom i n a l , object com p l e m e n t . Type V: T h e
t i cket agent [NP1] lets [MVt r] her [NP2] on a plane scheduled to depart in just two minutes [ADV P ] .
to depart in just two minutes = adverbial, modifies scheduled. Type I: The plane [NP1] departs
[MVint] in just two minutes [ADVP].
5. to avoid the crowds later in the day = nominal, direct object of hoping. Type V: Sam and Jennifer
[NP1] avoid [MVtr] the crowds [NP2] later in the day [ADVP].
Exercise 12.9
1. tested = participle: *very tested by Medici engineers in the Italian Alps; *more tested by Medici engineers
in the Italian Alps
designed = participle: *very designed in Milan; *more designed in Milan
EX ERCISE ANSWER KEY EX–67
2. disturbed = adjective: very disturbed by the noise; more disturbed.
3. baked = participle: *very baked rhubarb pie; *more baked rhubarb pie
4. relieved = adjective: felt very relieved; felt more relieved
5. relieved = participle (part of main verb): *a backup crew very relieved the fire fighters; *a backup crew
more relieved the fire fighters
tired = adjective: the very tired fire fighters; the most tired fire fighters
Exercise 12.10
This exercise can be done individually or in small groups before class discussion. Other solutions are
possible.
1. Dangling gerund (object of preposition to) - Suggests horses did the testing: In addition to having
their blood pressure, cholesterol, and electrolytes tested, the horses are also weighed or In addition to testing
their blood pressure, cholesterol, and electrolytes, vets also weigh the horses.
2. Dangling participle - We can’t tell who struggled: After struggling for over a year in pain and partial
paralysis, Roosevelt was told he would never walk again.
3. Misplaced modifier - With great reluctance seems to modify the verb repave. The government agreed
with great reluctance to repave the roads.
4. Dangling gerund phrase (object of preposition by) - Can be corrected by supplying a subject for
teach: Professor Baldwin hopes that if she teaches the causes of violence, her students will be better able to
deal with violence. An alternative is to introduce a new main verb, help, with its subject the same as
that of teaching: Professor Baldwin hopes that by teaching the causes of violence, she will help her students
be better able to deal with violence.
5. Dangling gerund phrase - It can best be corrected by making transportation system the subject of the
main clause: Prior to being dismantled in the early part of this century, the transportation system in
Southern California was a model for others.
6. Dangling participle - Can be corrected by giving both the participle and the main clause the same
subject: Having traveled halfway across the Pacific, Sharon Carpenter found the green island of Hawaii
a welcome sight when she first glimpsed it.
7. Dangling participle - We can’t tell who or what is burned: Burned on the outside but juicy inside, the
lamb roast on the g rill looked good to Jeff Smith, the “Frugal Gourmet.”
8. Dangling infinitive - Can be corrected by making the subject of the main clause the same as the
subject of the infinitive: To improve your writing style, you should avoid using clichés.
EX–68 EX ERCISE ANSWER KEY
Exercise 12.11
More than one solution is possible for each of these.
1. Culver Police: Shooting Victims Are Unhelpful
Culver Police: Victims of Shooting are Unhelpful
(But presumably not: Culver Police: Shooting Victims Is Unhelpful)
2. Internet Regulating Body Takes Action in Singapore
(But presumably not: Internet Is Regulating Body Acts in Singapore)
3. Mattel Recalls Dolls that Eat
4. Governor, Others Argue for Monument for Bombing Victims
5. Panel Urges Boards for Ethics of Cloning
6. Judge Says Police Withheld Crucial Facts in Case of Man Freed After 13 Years
7. Judge Delays Ruling on Principal Who Paddles
8. After 18 Years, Sisters Reunited in Checkout Line at Supermarket
9. N.J. Jails for Women Are in Need of a Face Lift
N.J.Women’s Jails in Need of a Face Lift
10. Dr. Ruth Talks with Newspaper Editors About Sex
Exercise 12.12
1. the muleta held low = The muleta was held low by him. Or He held the muleta low.
his feet firm = His feet were firm.
2. her arms spread wide = Her arms were spread wide. Or She spread her arms wide.
her eyes lifted toward the moon = Her eyes were lifted toward the moon by her. Or She lifted her
eyes toward the moon.
3. her glasses low across the bridge of her nose = Her glasses were low across the bridge of her nose.
4. his face pinched = His face was pinched.
his eyes shiny = His eyes were shiny.
5. noses smeared with suntan cream = Their noses were smeared with suntan cream. Or They smeared
their noses with suntan cream.
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