Participles (Present, Past, Perfect)
A participle is a verb form used as an adjective or to build tenses. Present = -ing, past = -ed/3rd form, perfect = having + past participle.
| Participle | Example |
|---|---|
| Present (-ing) | a running tap |
| Past (-ed / 3rd) | a broken glass |
| Perfect | Having finished, she left. |
a sleeping baby (present)
a fallen tree (past)
Having eaten, they rested. (perfect)
Present participle (-ing) shows an ongoing action; past participle (broken, written) shows a completed one.
Common mistake: Confusing the participle with a full verb. "The broken glass" (adjective) vs "The glass is broken" (verb with be).
✏️ Test Yourself
1. a **sleeping** baby
2. a **fallen** tree
3. **Having finished**, he left.
4. a **boiling** pot
📒 Words to learn
Meaning — To place different things side by side for comparison
“The artist juxtaposed bright colors with dark shades to create contrast.”
Meaning — To make something unclear or confusing
“The complex language in the document served to obfuscate the true meaning.”
Meaning — A model or example that serves as a pattern
“The new teaching paradigm focuses on student-centered learning.”
Meaning — To suppress or put an end to something
“The police were called in to quell the unrest in the crowd.”
Meaning — A reason or explanation for something
“The rationale behind the policy change was clearly outlined in the report.”