Participle Clauses

Exercises

Explanation

1. What is a participle clause?

A participle clause is formed with:

• Present participle (verb + -ing), or

• Past participle (-ed or third form), or

• Perfect participle (having + past participle)

The subject of the participle clause must be the same as the subject of the main clause.

2. Present participle clauses (-ing)

We use -ing participle clauses to show:

a) Actions happening at the same time

Example:

Walking through the park, she listened to a podcast.
(= She was walking and listening at the same time.)

b) Reason or cause

Example:

Knowing the deadline was close, he worked late. (= Because he knew the deadline was close…)

c) Result

Example:

The storm hit the coast, causing major delays. (= The storm caused delays.)

3. Past participle clauses (-ed / V3)

We use past participle clauses when the action is passive.

a) To give background information

Example:

Built in the 18th century, the bridge is still in use.
(= The bridge was built in the 18th century…)

b) To show reason or condition

Example:

Surprised by the news, she didn’t respond immediately.
(= Because she was surprised…)

4. Perfect participle clauses (having + V3)

We use perfect participles when one action happens before another one in the past.

Example:

Having finished the report, he sent it to his manager.
(= After he had finished the report…)

This form often replaces a sentence with Past Perfect.

5. Important rule: same subject

The participle clause and the main clause must refer to the same person or thing.

Correct:
Entering the room, she noticed the silence.

Incorrect (dangling participle):
Entering the room, the silence was obvious.
→ Who entered the room? Not “the silence”.