Examples of Intervening Phrases
Intervening phrases are groups of words that interrupt the flow of a sentence but are not essential to the grammatical structure. They add extra information or detail, often explaining or modifying a noun or verb. Here are some examples:
1. Appositive Phrases:
* The dog, a golden retriever named Buddy, wagged his tail. (The appositive phrase "a golden retriever named Buddy" identifies the noun "dog.")
* My favorite hobby, playing the piano, helps me relax. (The appositive phrase "playing the piano" renames the noun "hobby.")
2. Participial Phrases:
* Running through the park, the child laughed with joy. (The participial phrase "running through the park" modifies the noun "child.")
* Covered in chocolate, the cake looked delicious. (The participial phrase "covered in chocolate" modifies the noun "cake.")
3. Prepositional Phrases:
* The book on the table is mine. (The prepositional phrase "on the table" modifies the noun "book.")
* I went to the store for milk. (The prepositional phrase "to the store" modifies the verb "went.")
4. Absolute Phrases:
* The game over, we all went home. (The absolute phrase "the game over" adds information about the time of the event.)
* Her eyes shining with excitement, she opened the gift. (The absolute phrase "her eyes shining with excitement" describes the subject's state.)
5. Adverbial Phrases:
* After the movie, we went out for dinner. (The adverbial phrase "after the movie" modifies the verb "went.")
* With great enthusiasm, she joined the project. (The adverbial phrase "with great enthusiasm" modifies the verb "joined.")
6. Infinitive Phrases:
* I want to go to the beach. (The infinitive phrase "to go to the beach" acts as the object of the verb "want.")
* She is determined to succeed. (The infinitive phrase "to succeed" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "she.")
7. Gerund Phrases:
* Swimming is my favorite activity. (The gerund phrase "swimming" acts as the subject of the sentence.)
* She enjoys reading books. (The gerund phrase "reading books" acts as the object of the verb "enjoys.")
Note: Intervening phrases are often set off by commas. However, not all phrases set off by commas are intervening phrases. For example, a phrase that introduces a sentence may be separated by a comma, but it's not an intervening phrase.
By understanding the different types of intervening phrases, you can improve your writing by adding more detail and variety to your sentences.