Do participle phrases always apply to the subject?

Question

I have read online that participle phrases always apply to the subject regardless of where they appear in the sentence, which has confused me.

So for instance, is the following ambiguous? In other words, can it be read that the phrase after the comma applies to the speaker ("I") rather than to "him"?

"I saw him standing there, all sweaty and out of breath from the run up the stairs."

Tamguatlay · Accepted Answer

The  phrase refers to him.

AlpheccaStars · Answer

JJDouglasI have read online that participle phrases always apply to the subject regardless of where they appear in the sentence, which has confused me.

The advice you read is not very good.
The participle phrase in your sentence is "standing there...".
It refers to "him."

Notice that moving the phrases changes the meaning:
All sweaty and out of breath from the run up the stairs, I saw him standing there.
Standing there, all sweaty and out of breath from the run up the stairs, I saw him.

By the way, when you write "I read online..." please include the link so we know the context. That way, we can better assess the quality of the source.

CalifJim · Answer

JJDouglasI have read online that participle phrases always apply to the subject

Oof! No. They can apply to the subject, an object, or generally to the whole sentence.

The team released a statement saying he is expected to be in the lineup tonight. Here the participle applies to the object.

CJ

Do participle phrases always apply to the subject?

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