General English C1 · Lesson 1A

Grammar Bank

The rules behind this lesson — form, use, model sentences and the mistakes to avoid.

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Grammar focus of this lesson

participle clauses (reduced relative & adverbial): Standing by the door…, Having lived abroad…

1 structure

Participle clauses
Compressing a whole clause into a participle for economy and style.
I've got this
Rules & form
- ›Present participle (-ing) = active and simultaneous: Standing by the door, she waved.
- ›Perfect participle (having + participle) = earlier action: Having lived abroad, he adapts fast.
- ›Past participle = passive: Written in haste, the memo confused everyone.
- ›Both clauses must share the same subject, otherwise the participle 'dangles'.
- ›Common as reduced relatives: the report (which was) submitted yesterday.
Examples
- “Having reviewed the figures, the board approved the plan.”
- “Faced with falling margins, they restructured.”
- “The candidates shortlisted for the role will hear this week.”
Watch out · Walking into the room, the lights were off ✗ — the lights weren't walking.
Your own example