Participle clauses

Participle clauses

Participle clause definition

We can use participle clauses after a noun in the same way as relative clauses. This gives more information about the noun.

1. using a present participle (verb + ing)

The man driving the car is a friend of mine.

(= The man who is driving the car is a friend of mine).

The present participle can replace any active tense, not just the present continuous tense:

Lorries coming over the bridge have to be careful of the wind.

(= Lorries that come over the bridge have to be careful of the wind).

Who was the girl wearing the red dress?

(= Who was the girl who was wearing the red dress?).

Students handing in their essays late will lose ten marks.

(= Students who hand in their essays late will lose ten marks).

2. using a past participle 

Past Participle = regular verb + ED or 3rd form of an irregular verb

We read the email sent by the manager. (= We read the email that had been sent by the manager).

This vase, made in China in the 14th century, is very valuable. (= This vase, which was made in China in the 14th century, is very valuable).

She only eats cakes made by her mother. (= She only eats cakes that are made by her mother).

Present Participle vs. Past Participle

A present participle (verb + ing) can be used in the same way as an active relative clause.

A past participle can be used in the same way as a simple passive relative clause.

ACTIVE VOICE = I made pancakes.

PASSIVE VOICE = Pancakes were made.

Fill in the Blank

They called a lawyer who lived nearby.

Fill in the Blank

We all liked the cake that had been made by my mother.

Fill in the Blank

The robber who was seen by David ran away.

Fill in the Blank

The man who wants coffee is over there.

Fill in the Blank

We broke a computer that belongs to my father.