Splitting Subject and Verb I

By using a word or phrase to split the subject and verb of a sentence, you can add descriptive detail or build suspense for the reader. Some common ways and examples of splitting the subject and the verb are listed below.

• Add adjectives.
  The town barber, quiet and dignified, was waiting for the next customer.

• Add a prepositional phrase.
  The hotel attendant, with one swift motion, hoisted five bags of luggage.

• Add an appositive or appositive phrase.
  Dr. Tompkins, the speaker for the evening, thanked the audience for their questions.

• Add a participle or participial phrase.
  The panther at the zoo, pacing back and forth in its cage, seemed ready to pounce.

  The Empire State Building, completed in 1931, was once the tallest building on earth.

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Exercise

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