Participle (-ing/-ed) clauses
B2 · concise adverbial clauses
time · reason · result · condition · concession
1) What are participle clauses?
They are shortened clauses built with an -ing or -ed/V3 form. We use them mostly in writing to compress information about time, reason/cause, condition, result or concession.
- Time After she had locked the door, she left. → Having locked the door, she left.
- Reason Because he wasn’t carrying ID, he couldn’t enter. → Not carrying ID, he couldn’t enter.
Common in formal/informational prose; rarer in spontaneous speech.
2) Timeline logic
| Form | Typical meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| -ing | same time / cause / manner | Driving downhill, she noticed the lights. |
| Having + V3 | earlier event / reason | Having finished early, we went for coffee. |
| (Being) V3 | passive sense; state or result | Impressed by the data, the board approved it. |
3) -ing clauses (same-time & reason)
(While/When) + -ing or simply -ing, …
- Working late, she missed the last train. (reason)
- Speaking frankly, I disagree. (manner/comment)
- Walking through the museum, we learned a lot. (time)
Negative is formed with not: Not wearing a helmet, he was fined.
4) Perfect -ing: having + V3
Marks that the participle event happened before the main action. Passive: having been + V3.
- Having read the reviews, she chose a different hotel.
- Not having slept well, he cancelled the trip.
- Having been invited, I felt obliged to attend. (passive)
5) -ed/V3 clauses (often passive meaning)
- Built in 1928, the bridge is still in use. (= It was built…)
- Shocked by the news, the crowd fell silent.
- Seen from above, the village looks tiny.
These often correspond to a passive clause or a non-defining relative clause: The bridge, which was built in 1928,…
6) After prepositions or conjunctions
-ing clauses regularly follow after, before, while, when, without, instead of, on/upon.
- After talking to HR, she accepted the offer.
- Without checking the address, he sent the parcel.
- Instead of waiting, they left a note.
- On arriving, please report to reception. (formal)
7) Position & punctuation
- Initial Leaving early, we avoided traffic. (use a comma)
- Medial We, feeling tired, stopped for coffee. (commas both sides)
- Final She took a taxi, being late. (comma before clause)
When the participle modifies a noun directly (reduced relative), commas may disappear: Passengers waiting at Gate 3 (= who are waiting).
8) Keep the subject the same
The understood subject of the participle must be the same as the main-clause subject.
- ✗ Dangling Driving to work, the traffic lights turned red.
- ✓ Fixed Driving to work, I saw the lights turn red.
- ✓ Passive option Mixed with soda, the cocktail tastes better.
9) Not only adverbial: reduced relatives
- -ing Students taking the exam must bring ID. (= who are taking)
- -ed/V3 Cars parked outside will be towed. (= that are parked)
- No comma if the information is defining/identifying.
10) Useful starters in formal style
- Given… Given the late hour, we’ll adjourn. (reason/condition)
- Considering… Considering the risks, we declined.
- Provided / Provided that… Provided adequate funding, the project can continue.
11) Quick replacement guide
| If your full clause begins with… | Typical participle rewrite | Example |
|---|---|---|
| After/Before + past perfect/simple | Having + V3 / V-ing | After she had called → Having called, … |
| Because / As / Since | V-ing / Not + V-ing | Because he forgot → Forgetting, … |
| When / While | V-ing | While they were waiting → Waiting, … |
| If (neutral, not hypothetical) | V-ed/V-ing (often passive) | If prepared in advance → Prepared in advance, … |
| Although / Though | V-ing with contrast adverb | Although prices were rising → Rising as they were, prices didn’t deter buyers. |
12) Editing tips
- Clarity first If the sentence feels heavy or ambiguous, keep the full conjunction clause.
- Balanced use One participle clause per sentence is usually enough in general-purpose writing.
- Watch commas Fronted or mid-position participle clauses take commas; reduced relatives usually don’t.
Exercises:
Participle (-ing/-ed) clauses
Choose the correct option to complete the sentences below.
1
the area, we took a taxi.
2
the report, she sent it to the team.
3
the news, he left immediately.
4
Students
the evening course can use the lab.
5
The documents
for registration are listed on the website.
6
waiting, they decided to leave.
7
With the windows
, the room felt stuffy.
8
The car skidded,
the barrier.
9
enough time, we could solve the puzzle.
10
in 1923, the bridge is a local landmark.
Participle (-ing/-ed) clauses
Choose the correct option for the sentences below.
1
____ the report, Maria sent it to the client.
A.
B.
C.
D.
2
____ in 1920, the bridge is now a protected landmark.
A.
B.
C.
D.
3
____ another chance, he tried much harder this time.
A.
B.
C.
D.
4
____ what to do, they called the support line for help.
A.
B.
C.
D.
5
____, we’ll go hiking after breakfast.
A.
B.
C.
D.
6
____ from the hill, the lake looked like glass.
A.
B.
C.
D.
7
When ____ down the street, we spotted the old theatre.
A.
B.
C.
D.
8
Students ____ the placement test can join level B2 immediately.
A.
B.
C.
D.
9
____ to wait outside, the visitors stayed in the lobby.
A.
B.
C.
D.
10
____ the risks, the board postponed the launch.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Participle (-ing/-ed) clauses
Rewrite the following sentences using a participle clause.
1
Original: When she saw the email, she replied immediately.
Transform: , she replied immediately.
2
Original: Because he did not know the rules, he made several errors.
Transform: , he made several errors.
3
Original: After he had finished the report, he went home.
Transform: , he went home.
4
Original: Since she was given extra training, she performed better.
Transform: , she performed better.
5
Original: If this tool is used correctly, it saves time.
Transform: , this tool saves time.
6
Original: Although he lives in the city, he rarely goes out.
Transform: , he rarely goes out.
7
Original: People who are attending the workshop should register at reception.
Transform: People should register at reception.
8
Original: The road that was damaged by floods has been reopened.
Transform: The road has been reopened.
9
Original: After she had locked the door, she realised her keys were inside.
Transform: , she realised her keys were inside.
10
Original: Because he wanted to impress the panel, he spoke too quickly.
Transform: , he spoke too quickly.