Saturday, 30 October 2021

Participle clauses

Grammar explanation

Participle clauses enable us to say information in a more economical way. They are formed using present participles (goingreadingseeingwalking, etc.), past participles (gonereadseenwalked, etc.) or perfect participles (having gonehaving readhaving seenhaving walked, etc.). 

We can use participle clauses when the participle and the verb in the main clause have the same subject. For example,

Waiting for Ellie, I made some tea. (While was waiting for Ellie, made some tea.)

Participle clauses do not have a specific tense. The tense is indicated by the verb in the main clause. 

Participle clauses are mainly used in written texts, particularly in a literary, academic or journalistic style. 

Present participle clauses

Here are some common ways we use present participle clauses. Note that present participles have a similar meaning to active verbs. 

  • To give the result of an action
    The bomb exploded, destroying the building.
  • To give the reason for an action
    Knowing she loved reading, Richard bought her a book.
  • To talk about an action that happened at the same time as another action
    Standing in the queue, I realised I didn't have any money.
  • To add information about the subject of the main clause
    Starting in the new year, the new policy bans cars in the city centre.

Past participle clauses

Here are some common ways that we use past participle clauses. Note that past participles normally have a passive meaning.

  • With a similar meaning to an if condition
    Used in this way, participles can make your writing more concise. (If you use participles in this way, … )
  • To give the reason for an action
    Worried by the news, she called the hospital.
  • To add information about the subject of the main clause
    Filled with pride, he walked towards the stage.

Perfect participle clauses

Perfect participle clauses show that the action they describe was finished before the action in the main clause. Perfect participles can be structured to make an active or passive meaning.

Having got dressed, he slowly went downstairs.
Having finished their training, they will be fully qualified doctors.
Having been made redundant, she started looking for a new job.

 

Read the explanation and make up 5 sentences including participles. Post them in the commentary section.

7 comments:

  1. 1.The blossoming apple tree pleases the eye. (present participle clauses)
    2.Knowing Chinese you can get that job easily. (present participle clauses)
    3.Faced with an angry bull, john decided to jump over the wall. (past participle clause)
    4.It rained every day for two weeks, completely ruining our holidays. (past participle clause)
    5.Having lost her ticket, she couldn't get into the concert.(perfect participle clause)
    6.having made a decision, i was anxious to act on it. (perfect participle clause)

    ReplyDelete
  2. 1.She stayed up all night, reading articles and trying to find new ideas for her research.
    2. Invented at the end of 19th century, radio still remains an important mean of communication.
    3. Walking into the coffee shop, I saw my friend.
    4. Having read the book, I decided to write a review.
    5. The woman working in the Human Resources is a very talented dancer.

    ReplyDelete

  3. 1. The weather being nice, we decided to go for a picnic
    2. While walking through the park, Jim lost his keys.
    3. Worried by the news, she called the hospital
    4.Exhausted by her day at work, the girl decided to take a shortcut through the woods.
    5. We've eaten all the cookies we baked this morning.

    ReplyDelete
  4. 1.She went to the park after cleaning the house
    2.Knowing that my mom loves flowers, I bought them
    3.invited friend did not come to the birthday party.
    4.Having cooked, all the children ate it with pleasure
    5.having lost his money, he could not buy these toys.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Пахрудинова Аиша

    1. That man shouting at the policeman seems familiar.
    2. Delivered goods will be stored in our warehouse.
    3. She looked scared.
    4. I looked at her realizing that was the first time I saw her after a long time.
    5. The museum was just opened last year.

    ReplyDelete
  6. 1.While listening to his stories, I couldn’t help laughing.
    2.Having been friends at school we still keep in touch.
    3.She is a girl loved by everyone.
    4.Going home I met an old friend of mine.
    5.Arriving at home we could relax at last.

    ReplyDelete
  7. While my sister was looking for the keys, I drank tea.
    knowing that she loves tea, he brought her a souvenir from India.
    the dog sent for a walk did not return.
    tired after a hard day, she decided to go to bed.
    we've checked all the assignments we've done this afternoon.

    ReplyDelete

Angelina Jolie receives the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 2013 Governors Awards

  Watch the interview and answer the question: What problem does Angelina raise in her acceptance speech?