Participle Clauses 

In this lesson we learn about participle clauses, which are essential groups of words that include a participle and provide more information about a noun or action. Clear explanations and practice exercises to help you learn.

"Participle Clauses" in the English Grammar

What Is a Participle Clause?

A participle clause is a type of dependent clause that is introduced by a participle. It is a non-finite clause, meaning that it does not have a specific tense or subject. Participle clauses often act as nouns, adjectives, or adverb in a sentence.

Participle Clauses: Types

There are different types of participles and accordingly, different types of participle clauses in English which include:

Present Participle Clauses

Present participle clauses show that two actions happened at the same time. They can be used as nouns, adjectives, and adverbs of reason and result. Look at the examples below:

Example

Eating in this restaurant is very expensive.

a present participle clause used as a noun

The old men sitting on a bench in the park discussed the current situation.

a present participle clause used as an adjective

The volcano erupted, destroying the village.

a present participle clause used as an adverb of result

Shaking angrily, she left the room.

a present participle clause showing that two actions happened at the same time

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Past Participle Clauses

Past participle clauses use the past participle form of the verb. They can be used as adjectives, complements, and adverbs of reason and condition. Take a look at the examples:

Example

The car damaged in the accident was towed away.

a past participle clause used as an adjective

Exhausted from the long journey, they went straight to bed.

a past participle clause used as an adverb of reason

Given enough time, she can solve any problem.

a past participle clause used as a condition clause

I found the letter torn into pieces.

a past participle clause used as object complement

Perfect Participle Clauses

'Perfect participle' clauses are used to indicate an action that was completed before the action in the main clause. 'Perfect participles' can be used as adjectives or adverbs. For example:

Example

Having finished their homework, they walked downstairs to go to the restaurant.

a perfect participle clause used as an adverb

The report having been finalized yesterday is ready for submission.

a perfect participle clause used as an adjective

The table below shows the specific functions that each type of participle can perform.

noun

adjective

adverb

present participle clause

past participle clause

perfect participle clause

Tip!

Participle clauses are common in written English, especially in literary, academic, or journalistic style, because they allow the writer to include information without making long or complicated sentences.

Participle Clauses: Negation

To make the participles negative, all we have to do is to add the word 'not' before the participles. check out the examples:

Example

Not having slept for eighteen hours, he felt sick.

Not satisfied with the results, she decided to redo the experiment.

Not feeling well, I left work early.

Participle Clauses with Prepositions

Prepositions such as 'before', 'after', 'instead of', 'on', 'since', and 'in spite of' are commonly used with participles (especially present participles) to further emphasize or clarify the order, time, cause, and effect of the event. Pay attention to the examples:

Example

Before giving the speech, she reviewed the text.

Since coming to China, I haven't seen my family.

Without knowing it, I hurt his feelings.

Once given the opportunity, she excelled in her role.

Review

Participle clauses begin with a participle. They are used to shorten a long structure or sentence. Remember participle clauses are non-finite. Participle clauses are used as:

nouns

complements

adjectives

adverbs

Quiz:


1.

Which sentence correctly uses a participle clause to express condition?

A

Shocked by the news, he could barely speak.

B

Watered regularly, the plant will thrive.

C

Forgotten by everyone, he felt very lonely.

D

Driven by ambition, he worked tirelessly.

2.

Sort the words to make a correct sentence using a present participle clause.

from
after
.
exhaustion
the
collapsed
the runner
finish
,
crossing
line
3.

Match each sentence with the context the participle clause is showing.

Shaking with excitement, she opened the gift.
Knowing he was late, he hurried to the meeting.
Kept in a cool place, the food will remain edible.
Harmed by the accident, she needed medical attention.
The storm raged, flooding the streets.
condition
reason
simultaneous action
adverb
result
4.

Fill in the blank with the correct participle form.

The project was completed successfully,

(motivate) the team to work on more challenging tasks.

(finish) the test, she immediately left the room.

(impress) by the presentation, the audience gave the speaker a standing ovation.

(handle) carefully, the fragile items will remain safe.

(write) an email, she drank her coffee.

5.

Complete the table by choosing the function of the participle clause.

Walking through the park, I saw a beautiful bird.

Running through the park was the best part of my day.

The car parked outside belongs to my neighbor.

The children playing in the park are my cousins.

Having finished the report, she went home.

Adverb
Noun
Adjective

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