Grammar Reference

Participle clauses

Participle clauses use a present or past participle in a clause instead of a typical subject + verb form. There are different kinds of participle clauses for different situations. In this week's video Dan talks about one type, participle clauses of reason.

Participle clauses for giving reasons

Being a man, I shave everyday. =  Because I am a man ...

Being young, I made many mistakes. = Because I was young ...

Perfect participle forms show that the action in the participle clause was finished before the action in the main clause.

Having tried the coffee, I don't recommend it. =  Because I tried/have tried the coffee...