Participle

The Participle is a non - finite form which has certain verbal features and the syntactical functions of adjectival or adverbial character.

There are two participles in English - Participle I and Participle II. They are also called the present and the past participles.

Transitive verbs have four forms of Participle I.

Active Passive

Indefinite writing being written

Perfect having written having been written

Intransitive verbs have only two forms of Participle I.

Active Passive

Indefinite standing -------

Perfect having stood -------

Participle I Indefinite shows that the action named by the participle took place at the same time with that of the finite verb. These forms denote simultaneousness in the present, past or future.

* Do you see that child waving a flag?

* They stayed at home watching TV.

* In a few minutes the guests will be arriving wearing smiles.

Participle I Perfect shows that the action named by the participle preceeded that of the finite verb. These forms denote priority to a present, past or future action.

* Having said that I want to leave now.

* Having said “a” he proceeded to saying “b” without loss of time.

* Having settled this point you will feel satisfaction.

Participle II has only one form – written.

Most intransitive verbs have no forms of paticiple II outside the analytical forms of the verb – have walked.

Participle II in most cases denotes priority.

* She pulled the long forgotten letter out of its hiding place.

Participle II sometimes have a meaning of simultaneousness.

* The dog carried by the boy gave a sharp yelp.

Participle I may take a direct object.

* Holding the child...

* Having written the last word

Participle I and II may be modified by adverbs.

* Watching me steadily...

* Deeply hurt...

FUNCTIONS OF PARTICIPLE I IN THE SENTENCE

Attribute

* We admired the stars twinkling in the sky.

* I looked at the smiling child.

Adverbial Modifier

Of Time

* Travelling in Africa, he saw a lot of interesting places.

* Having closed the door on him she entered the room.

Participle I in this fuction is often preceeded by conjunctions when, while.

* When crossing the street, first look to the left.

* While crossing the street, he heard somebody call him out.

Participle I of the verb to be is not used in the function of the adverbial modifier of time. In this case a subordinate clause introduced by when or while is used.

* When he was a child he liked to read books.