Participle clauses (Having finished…, Feeling tired…)
Participle clauses make sentences shorter, especially in writing. They replace a clause with when, because, after when both parts have the same subject.
| form | meaning | example |
|---|---|---|
| -ing | same time / reason | Feeling tired, I went to bed early. |
| having + participle | before | Having finished work, she went home. |
| past participle | passive | Built in 1900, the house needs repairs. |
Examples
- Walking home, I met an old friend.
- Not knowing what to do, he called his lawyer.
- Having read the contract, she signed it.
- Written in simple English, the book is easy to read.
- Surprised by the noise, she looked up.
Common mistakes
- ✗ Walking home, a dog bit me.✓ Walking home, I was bitten by a dog.The participle and the main verb must share the same subject.
- ✗ Having finish the report, she left.✓ Having finished the report, she left.After having the past participle is required.
- ✗ Surprising by the news, he sat down.✓ Surprised by the news, he sat down.The past participle shows how she felt, whereas -ing describes a cause.
- ✗ Knowing not what to do, he waited.✓ Not knowing what to do, he waited.Not comes before the participle in a participle clause.
- ✗ Opened the door, I saw a cat.✓ Opening the door, I saw a cat.An active action done by the speaker needs the -ing form.