Sentence Combining with Present Participial Phrases (PrPP)
Adapted from Crafting Expository Argument, by Michael Degen, Ph.D.
Directions:
 Combine the following sentences by turning ONE of the sentences into a PrPP
 Vary your combinations by placing PrPP before modified noun in some sentences and after the
modified noun in others. At least TWO of the sentences must differ in placement from the others.
 Underline the PrPP in each sentence.
eg. Houston’s citizens have already experienced two hurricanes this year. They are very well
prepared for any future catastrophe.
The writer has two viable options to combine these two sentences:
Having already experienced two hurricanes this year, Houston’s citizens are very well prepared for
any future catastrophe.
Houston’s citizens,having already experienced two hurricanes this year, are very well prepared for any
future catastrophe.
1. Sergeant Simpson reprimands the private severely. He forcefully removes one of his stripes.
2. The coach has called two straight running plays with no success. He then decides to signal for a long
pass.
3. The philosopher spoke to the English III classes at Cy Woods. She urged the students to study
metaphysics before they graduate.
4. Justin Cronin promotes the sale of his new novel, The Passage. Each weekend he visits bookstores and
signs autographs.
5. The Secretary of State flies into Kashmir this weekend. She attempts to work out a peaceful settlement
in the region.
6. The robin eats at the bird feeder each morning. The bird is occasionally joined by a pair of sparrows.
7. Hiroshima, Japan, had been destroyed by an atomic bomb in 1945. It was rebuilt over a period of
fifteen years.
8. Tim knew where to catch the biggest fish in Lake Conroe. He fished the lake every Saturday morning.
9. Write your own PrPP sentence on the back of this sheet.
10. Write your own PrPP sentence on the back of this sheet.