85. The Prepositional Phrase as Verb Modifier.As modifier, the prepositional phrase bears the same relation to the verb that the adverb bears. It is, however, capable of expressing a greater variety of ideas. The phrase, therefore, may often be used with better rhetorical effect than the adverb. In addition to the uses of the simple adverb, the phrase denotes (1) agency, the person by whom a thing is done; (2) instrument or means, the object by aid of which the action is accomplished; and (3) accompaniment, that by which an action is accompanied or attended.

EXAMPLES

1. This poem was written by Milton (agency).

2. They lifted the stone to its place with a derrick (instrument).

3. The storm broke with thunder and lightning (accompaniment).

EXERCISE A

86. Point out the phrase modifiers of the verb in the following sentences, and explain the particular function of each:

1. A large part of the city was destroyed by fire.

2. The earthquake was attended by fire and destruction. 3. They traveled throughout Europe with us.

4. The army breaks camp in the morning.

5. Emerson always expressed his thoughts in a pleasant way.

6. His reasons are as two grains of wheat hid in two bushels of chaff.

7. They sat beneath the shade.

8. And what is the shore where I stood to see my boat sail down the West?

9. We were the first that ever burst into that silent sea. 10. By the craggy hillside,

Through the mosses bare,

They have planted trees

For pleasure here and there.

11. The long light shakes across the lakes and the wild cataract leaps in glory.

12. Come and trip it as you go, on the light fantastic toe. 13. Miss Hepzibah Pyncheon sat in the oaken elbow chair, with her hands over her face.

14. Without giving herself time for a second thought, she rushed into the shop.

15. Coming freshly, as he did, out of the morning light, he seemed to have brought some of its cheery influence into the shop along with him.

16. In the front gable under the impending brow of the second story, was a shop door.

17. Behind the house there appeared to be a garden.

18. On every side, the seven gables pointed sharply toward the sky.

19. The sun now rose upon the right,

Out of the sea came he,

Still hid in mist, and on the left,

Went down into the sea.

20. About the same time arrived Cedric the Saxon, with the lady.

EXERCISE B

87. Write a thoughtful, well-worded sentence, on the subjects given below, in which you use at least one adverbial phrase; and explain the function of each. 1. The moving of an old house.

2. The clearing away of a brush patch. 3. The first day of spring.

4. My grandfather's garden. 5. A trip to the hills.

6. Valentine's Day.

7. The animal I like best.

8. Exercise for boys. 9. The last election. 10. Our daily paper. II. A boy's education.

12. The game of golf.

13. Rainfall and vegetation.

14. The making of maple syrup.

15. Amusements in our town.

16. The honey bee.

88. The Infinitive as Verb Modifier.-The infinitive is commonly used as verb modifier to express purpose. It almost invariably answers the question why. Most infinitives of this class can, therefore, be transformed into clauses of cause.

EXERCISE

89. Designate the infinitive modifiers of verbs in the following sentences:

1. He hurried away to see what it was.

2. He longed to see the towers of his native city once more.

3. He was grieved to hear of the accident.

4. We eat to live.

5. He fought to save his country.

6. They wrote to invite their friends.

7. She is going to Boston to see her sister.

8. He remained to hear the story.

9. She sang to keep up her spirits.

10. Knowledge exists to be imparted.

II. They have traveled many a mile, to tread a measure

with you on this grass.

12. Fools who came to scoff, remained to pray.

90. The Clause as Verb Modifier.-Many explanations or limitations that need to be given in connection with the assertions contained in verbs cannot be expressed by an adverb or a prepositional phrase. Sometimes we wish to define the time or place of one action by stating that it was going on at the same time or place as another action. Sometimes things happen if or although something else takes place. Again a person may do one thing so that he may be able to do another. To express these larger ideas, clauses are necessary.

The clause expresses ideas with greater exactness ordinarily than the phrase or simple adverb, because it shows more clearly the true relation between the verb and the modifier.

EXAMPLES

1. I must go as soon as the carriage is ready (time). 2. We are standing where the battle was fought (place). 3. He performed as though he were mad (manner).

4. He failed in his purpose because he was not persistent enough (cause).

5. They set out early so that they might miss none of the address (purpose).

6. He had worked so faithfully that they decided to reward him (result).

7. If he fail us, we are lost (condition).

8. Though he slay me, yet will I trust Him (concession).

EXERCISE A

91. Point out the clause modifiers of verbs in the following sentences, and explain the particular function of each:

1. Rich gifts wax poor when givers prove unkind.

2. Oh what a tangled web we weave

When first we practice to deceive!

3. Better one bird in the hand than ten in the wood. 4. Experience keeps a dear school, but fools will learn in no other.

5. We are happy now, because God wills it.

6. He moved away from the city because his health was failing.

7. The little birds sang as if it were

The one day of summer in all the year.

8. The fields and hills lay turned to the sky, as if every leaf and blade of grass were nerves bared to the touch of the

sun.

9. And if they once may win the bridge,

What hope to save the town?

10. And if the breeze kept the good news back

For other couriers we should not lack.

II. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

12. Mend your speech a little

Lest it mar your fortunes.

13. Though much I want that most would have,

Yet still my mind forbids to crave.

14. We hope to make the trip in an hour, although the roads are bad.

15. I know a bank whereon the wild thyme blows.

16. The wind bloweth where it listeth.

EXERCISE B

92. By inserting appropriate clause modifiers of the verb in the blank spaces, make thoughtfully worded sentences of the following:

1. Although -, I could not help admiring the fellow. 2. Better not to be than