At a glance
Three participles
- Present participle: V-ingactive, at the same time
- a crying baby
- Walking home, I met Ali.
- Past participle: V3passive or finished
- a broken window
- Written in 1900, the book is still popular.
- Perfect participle: having + V3one action before another
- Having finished my work, I went out.
- 1Two actions, the same subjectI opened the door. I saw a cat.
- 2Change the first verb to -ingOpening the door, …
- 3Keep the subject in the second partOpening the door, I saw a cat.
Participles as adjectives
a crying baby
a broken window
fallen leaves
a sleeping dog
Participle clauses
Walking home, I met an old friend. (at the same time)
Having finished my homework, I went out to play. (first, then)
Written in 1900, the book is still popular. (passive)
Not knowing the way, we asked a police officer. (reason)
The same subject!
A participle with its own subject
The sun having set, we went home.
Weather permitting, we'll play tomorrow.
Participle or gerund?
a swimming fish (participle: describes the fish)
Swimming is fun. (gerund: a noun)
Practice
Answer the questions. Get 7 out of 10 to finish this lesson.