Past participle as a verb modifier?

Question

Hi All,

Am I right that a past participle can never be a verb modifer? If the verb-ed form is used as a modifier, it has to be a noun modifier, right?

Thank you for your input.

Cheers,
Ray

KyleWiddison · Answer

Generally speaking, participle phrases (both -ed and -ing forms of participles) will be noun modifiers.
--Exhausted from running the marathon, Tom slept for 18 hours. -or- Tom, exhausted from running the marathon, slept for 18 hours.
--Working until nearly midnight, Sarah finally finished her school project. -or- Sarah, working until nearly midnight, finally finished her school project.

The exception is when we have comma + 'ing' participles, in which case these modifiers will often be adverbial modifiers. 
Dennis left work 15 minutes late, forcing him to run to catch the train.

So, yes, if you are dealing with a past participle modifier (-ed form) it will function as a noun modifier.

KW

rliu030 · Answer

Hi Kyle,

Thank you very much for your answer.
Now I understand better how the present participle became a adverbial modifier. Mike provided me with an example  here :
  The stocks of XYZ Corporation plummeted yesterday, caused by the falling price of gold  .

I think it makes perfect sense but would be great if you can share some thoughts on it too.

Again really appreciate your help and wish you a Happy New Year.

Cheers,
Ray

KyleWiddison · Answer

I agree with Mike in his post. That construction does make sense, but it's hard to think of a GMAT example using that structure (I would be interested to know if anyone has a GMAT example).

What you should notice from Mike's example is that it's structurally similar to the previous example of present participles becoming adverbial modifiers. If you understand that structure (clause + comma + participle) then you will be prepared in the rare event that one of these comes up for you on the GMAT.

KW

Happy New Year!

aparajita123 · Answer

Hi Kyle,
Below is an example from OG:

Building on civilizations that preceded them in coastal Peru, the Mochica developed their own elaborate society, based on the cultivation of such crops as corn and beans, the harvesting of fish and seafood, and the exploitation of other wild and domestic resources.

Can you please put some light on this.

ashwinchivukula · Answer

If the highlighted parts above are true then does the below hold?

I want to stand next to the girl  wearing the yellow dress.  --> Wearing the yellow dress modifies the noun "girl" here 
I want to stand next to the girl  ,   wearing the yellow dress.  --> Because of the presence of comma,wearing the yellow dress now modifies the entire clause,
 i.e. adverbial

VerbalBot · Answer

Automated notice from GMAT Club VerbalBot: 

A member just gave Kudos to this thread, showing it’s still useful. I’ve bumped it to the top so more people can benefit. Feel free to add your own questions or solutions.

 This post was generated automatically.

Past participle as a verb modifier?

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards