Learning English

Hi guys, Dan for BBC Learning English here. In this lesson were going to be looking at participle clauses, all right?

Now, before we begin, it’s important to understand that participle clauses can be a big, scary area of grammar, all right? It’s an absolutely huge area, but don’t worry, because we can take it nice and slowly. I’m here, I’m going to keep you safe, all right?

We’re only going to focus on one particular area of grammar.

Now, having explained that, I can start the timer. Are you ready? Here we go.

So, participle clauses are a way of linking two smaller clauses together in a complex sentence. They usually start with an ‘ing’ but not always. And in today’s lesson we’ll be focussing on causation, which means ‘because’, OK? Are you ready for your first example? Here we go.

Being a man, I shave every day.

Here, ‘being a man’ means, ‘because I am a man’.

Did you notice the change of verb?

Because I am a man. Am becomes being and moves to the beginning of the sentence.

Did you get it? Good.

Let’s look at a second example.

Being young, I made a lot of mistakes.

I said I was sorry. Some people are so unforgiving.

Here, ‘being young’ means, ‘because I was young.’ Did you notice the difference?

Being a man – because I am a man.

Being young – because I was young.

The participle clause doesn’t change its form even though the meaning is in a different tense. Did you get it? Good.

Let’s try one more example.

Having tried the coffee… aargh, it’s disgusting … I don’t recommend it.

Here, ‘having tried the coffee’ means, ‘because I have tried the coffee’ or ‘because I tried the coffee.’ Either present perfect or past simple.

By using ‘having’ plus a past participle we emphasise that the action has been finished before the main verb of the main clause. Did you get it? Good. I hope so.

Now, having explained that to you, I hope you fully understand everything. But in case you didn’t, please log on to  bbclearningenglish.com for a full transcript, explanation and activities on participle clauses.

Good job guys, couldn’t make it this week, hopefully next week. I’ve been Dan, you’ve been fantastic. See you later.