Question

Which word does the participle modify?

Startling rumors spread throughout the town after the power outage.

A.
town

B.
rumors

C.
spread

D.
outage

Answer 1

C. Spread

Answer 2

@MissSmartiez

Answer 3

A participle is a verb form that is used as an adjective.

Answer 4

Identify the participle

Answer 5

I think it's Startling.

Answer 6

No, adjective darling :P

Answer 7

How about... throughout?

Answer 8

Throughout isn't quite an adjective though. I think... :/

Answer 9

I know, I am saying startling is the adjective, since it what? describes rumors.

Answer 10

Ok, I see, I was thinking of adverbs and such. Forgive me.

Answer 11

It's okay.

Answer 12

Participles always FUNCTION as adjectives, not positions it modifies.

Answer 13

So, I thought it was a difference,


However, you were right. Startling is the participle, and what does it modify.

Answer 14

(Not a phrase. A signal word modifies?)

Answer 15

Rumors? It is modifying Rumors? :/

Answer 16

^

Not really spread. The thing that is modifying spread is throughout. On which HOW it spread.

If it was,

"It spread startling among the town."

Then it might be it, however, it isn't the case.

Answer 17

So, I believe rumors.

Answer 18

Okay. Thank you! :)

Answer 19

Though, I am a bit confused on this, since it could be interpreted as such, welcome! Make sure I am correct!

http://www.grammar-monster.com/glossary/participles.htm

Answer 20

I think so. Thanks! :)