"Sam was very excited, organizing a trip to Italy." I found it with a comma, but I I don't think the comma is right, since the excitement came from organizing the trip. So I'm trying to figure out what kind of phrase (gerund, appositive, etc.) so that I can research the topic. Many thanks!
"organizing a trip to Italy" is a verbal phrase and needs a comma. Look at the two alternatives: "Sam was very excited, organizing a trip to Italy." "Sam was very excited organizing a trip to Italy." It should be obvious that omitting the comma is wrong.
I don't see why both aren't right. In 1) "organizing the trip" is non-essential information: Sam is excited, and he's organizing the trip. In 2) "Sam was very excited" is not enough information, "organizing the trip" is essential information because he is getting that excitement from organizing the trip. In the context I'm referring to, Sam's excitement came from organizing the trip.
i agree both could be correct... but the sentence itself is awkward, could be worded better... Sam was very excited about organizing a trip to Italy. Organizing a trip to Italy was very exciting for Sam. Sam was very excited. Organizing a trip to Italy was a dream come true. ...or whatever...
I think it´s an adjective gerund clause because it's modifying "Sam." However, I agree that the comma is awkward and the sentence could really be reworded.
