Participle clauses
-ing, past participle, and having + p.p. clauses, using Unit 33 words.
Participle clauses make sentences shorter and more formal by removing the subject and auxiliary. There are three types: present participle (-ing), past participle (passive meaning), and perfect participle (having + p.p.). Every example uses this unit's linking vocabulary.
A — How it works
Present participle = active (Walking past…). Past participle = passive (Served quickly…). Perfect = one action before another (Having finished…).
1) Present participle (-ing) — active
Two actions by the same subject.
- Walking past the supermarket, I remembered the list.
- Waiting for the manager, the customers read the menu.
- Feeling nervous, she prepared her answers.
- Living near the river, we walk to work.
2) Past participle — passive meaning
Something is done to the subject.
- Served by an experienced chef, the guests were impressed.
- Located opposite the landmark, the café is easy to find.
- Prepared in advance, the room was ready.
- Cancelled at short notice, the meeting annoyed everyone.
3) Perfect participle — having + p.p.
One action clearly before another.
- Having updated her CV, she applied for the job.
- Having finished the interview, he felt relieved.
- Having checked the receipt, they gave a refund.
- Having served dinner, the waiter cleared the table.
The rest of this lesson is in the General English course:
- B — Quick reference
- Remember
Try it: Choose the correct form
Select the best option.
- ___ past the shop, I saw a sign. (active)
(a) Walking (b) Walked (c) Having walk - ___ by a great chef, the guests were happy. (passive)
(a) Served (b) Serving (c) Serve - ___ finished the interview, she left. (earlier action)
(a) Having (b) Have (c) Had - ___ opposite the station, the hotel is easy to find.
(a) Located (b) Locating (c) Locate - ___ updated her CV, she applied.
(a) Having (b) Has (c) Have - -ing clause has ___ meaning.
(a) active (b) passive (c) future
Check your answers in the course — it marks them instantly. This is one of the unit's 3 exercises; the other 2 are in the General English course too.
Practise this unit in the course →