In each sentence below, find a participle or participial phrase that modifies the word in parenthesis.

1. Increased demand for food is the result of the growth in the world’s population. (demand)
Answer=Increased

Find the participle or participial phrase and the word they modify in the following sentences.

4. The reed, called papyrus, grew along the Nile River.
P=along , WM=grew

5. Cut down, the reed stalks were sliced into thin strips.
P=down , WM=cut

Gosh, I'm so confused. Thank you for being patient with me Ms. Sue!

You're welcome, Susanne.

The first sentence is correct.

4. The word "along" is a preposition. Remember that participles often end in -ed or -ing. The only word that fits that description is "called." What was "called?" Reed.
So -- "called papyrus" is the participial phrase. It modifies "reed."

5. In this sentence, "down" is an adjective. "Cut down" is the participial phrase. What do you think it modifies?

No problem at all! Understanding participles and participial phrases can definitely be confusing at first. But don't worry, I'm here to help you.

Let's review what participles and participial phrases are. Participles are verb forms that function as adjectives. They often end in -ed, -en, or -ing. A participial phrase consists of a participle plus any modifiers or complements that go along with it.

Now let's break down the sentences you provided and identify the participles or participial phrases, as well as the words they modify.

In sentence 4, the participle is "grown" and it modifies the noun "reed." The complete participial phrase is "called papyrus" and it modifies the noun "reed" as well.

In sentence 5, the participle is "cut" and it modifies the noun "reed stalks." The word that it modifies is not explicitly stated in the sentence, but it can be understood that the reed stalks were cut down.

I hope this helps clarify things for you! Let me know if you have any more questions.