Section 1
The Participle
Definition
A participle is a verb form that can be used as an adjective.
Explanation
Think of participles as verbs dressing up as adjectives! There are two types: present participles (always ending in -ing) and past participles (often ending in -ed, -en, or -t). Be careful not to confuse them with verbs in a verb phrase; if a helping verb is present, the participle is part of the verb, not an adjective.
Examples
- The detective noted the puzzled expression on the witness's face. [The past participle puzzled describes the noun expression.]
- My cat loves chasing the flickering laser pointer. [The present participle flickering describes the noun pointer.]
- Only the chosen applicants will advance to the final interview. [The past participle chosen describes the noun applicants.]