First read: 3 Facts you need to know about PARTICIPLES:
1. Participles can be Parts of Verbs.
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A Loving Couple … Paz Arando @pazarando Unsplash.com
2. Participles can be ADJECTIVES.
Continuous Participles are often used as Adjectives:
The giggling girls in the photo below look like sisters. Verb = look
The World Cup is an exciting event for spectators as well as players. Verb = is
The News is usually depressing. Verb = is
Mathematics can be confusing. Verb = can be
@carolinehdz – Unsplash.com ………………………… These giggling girls look like sisters.
Past Participles are often used as Adjectives:
The spectators as well as the players at The World Cup were really excited.
Verb = were
I usually feel depressed after listening to the news. Verb = feel
The stolen computers were worth thousands of dollars. Verb = were
The broken window will cost a lot to replace. Verb = will cost
Past Participles are always used in Passive Voice.
** It is important to remember that Past Participles used in Passive Voice are not part of the verb. They are Adjectives. The Past Participle Adjective does not affect the tense. The verbs in Passive Voice sentences are the same tense as corresponding Active Sentences.
Passive Voice Sentences with Past Participle Adjectives:
Our computers were stolen late last night. Verb = were = Past Simple
The girls are being entertained by a funny clown. Verb = are being = Present Continuous
“You’re wanted on the telephone.” Verb = are = Present simple
Active Sentences:
Someone stole our computers late last night. Verb = stole = Past Simple
A funny clown is entertaining the girls. Verb = is entertaining = Present Continuous
Someone on the telephone wants you. Verb = wants = Present Simple
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3. Participles can be NOUNS.
Oren Atias @orenatias Unsplash.com …………………… Dancing is enjoyed by people of all ages and cultures.
Continuous Participles are regularly used as Nouns.
Every verb has a noun form. They are so easy to make! They are called Verbals or Gerunds.
1. Just start with a Base Infinitive; for example,
dance, be, have, sleep, do
2. Add ‘ing’ to the end of the Base Infinitive:
dancing, being, having, sleeping, doing
3. Use the Continuous Participles the same way you use nouns in sentences: as subjects, objects, and complements:
Subject: Dancing is enjoyed by people of all ages and cultures.
Object: No-one likes being late.
Subject & Object: Having a big family means doing a lot of Christmas shopping!
Subject: Sleeping keeps Snoopy busy and contented.
Complement: Snoopy’s favourite hobby is sleeping.
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To read my post on Gerunds & Infinitives, click here.
Mary's English Blog 