The document provides examples of how phrases can be used to improve sentences by making them more interesting and providing details. It discusses using participles to combine short sentences and rewriting sentences to begin with phrases. Specific examples are given to illustrate these techniques for improving sentence structure and variety.

1. How can we use phrases in sentences? Phrases can be used to begin sentences to make them more interesting. They can also be used as modifiers to give details. They can be used to combine short choppy sentences.

2. How can we improve these sentences? The boy tried to get the attention of the teacher. Susan ran across the street. Mrs. Johnson screamed at the class. The students ran into the room. The bus crossed the bridge.

3. Use a participle to combine the following groups of sentences . Gary was hoping to find his missing socks. He plunged his arm into the dirty clothes hamper. Linda sang the Beatle song she knew. She tried to entertain her guests from England. The woman was talking in a loud raspy voice. The woman annoyed everyone by giving away the movie ending.

4. Rewrite the following sentences; begin each sentence with a phrase. Ted swam through the under water tunnel, holding his breath. The old house, battered by gale force winds, remained undamaged. Cynthia paused for a moment at the top of the stairs. Andre changed his mind at the last minute. Hillary’s mom, standing at the top of the ladder, still could not reach the knives.

6. Using phrases at the beginning of sentences He received news of the contest winners after more than a month. Juan, exploring the World Wide Web, found many sites about Ireland. Grandpa Max recalled his childhood, speaking into a mike. The winding road, covered by heavy fog, was impassable.