Participial phrases

1. A participial phrase is a phrase that looks like a verb, but actually functions as an adjective; it modifies a noun in the same sentence:
1. The boys sitting in the library were studying (the participial phrase 'sitting in the library' modifies the subject 'The boys')
2. Driving to the office, my car broke down (the participial phrase 'Driving to the office' modifies the subject 'car')
3. Mary, smiling and waving, said hello (the participial phrase 'smiling and waving' modifies the subject 'Mary')
2. The participle in a participial phrase can be either the present participle or the past participle:
1. We're waiting for you sitting in the park (present participle)
2. I'm going to buy her a bracelet made of gold (past participle)