Thus, in the seventh example, the simple subject natives is modified by the participle fearing, which has for a complement captivity (the direct object) and is modified by the adverbial phrase above all things.
Note. A participle, though a modifier of the subject, has at the same time a peculiar relation to the predicate, because it may take the place of an adverbial clause. Thus, in the seventh example, fearing is practically equivalent to the clause because they feared, which, if substituted for the participle, would of course modify the predicate verb leaped. This dual office of the participle comes from its twofold nature as (1) an adjective and (2) a verb. In analyzing, we treat the participle as an adjective modifier of the noun to which it belongs; but its function as a substitute for an adverbial clause is an important means of securing variety in style.
III. INFINITIVES
470. The subject may be modified by an infinitive.
- Eagerness to learn was young Lincoln’s strongest passion.
- Desire to travel made Taylor restless.
- The wish to succeed prompted him to do his best.
- Ability to write rapidly is a valuable accomplishment.
- Howard’s unwillingness to desert a friend cost him his life.
In the fourth example, the infinitive has an adverbial modifier (rapidly); and in the fifth, it has a complement, its object (friend). In such instances, two methods of analysis are allowable, as in the case of participial phrases ([§ 469]).
IV. POSSESSIVES
471. The subject may be modified by a substantive in the possessive case.
Such a substantive may be called a possessive modifier.
- Napoleon’s tomb is in Paris.
- A man’s house is his castle.
- One’s taste in reading changes as one grows older.
- A moment’s thought would have saved me.
- The squirrel’s teeth grow rapidly.
- The Indians’ camp was near the river.
- His name is Alfred.
- Your carriage has arrived.