Section 1
The Participle
Definition
A participle is a verb form that can be used as an adjective.
Explanation
Think of a participle as a special kind of adjective that comes from a verb! It helps answer questions like What kind? or Which one?. Remember, there are two types: present participles always end in -ing (like running), while past participles often end in -ed (like finished), but can have other endings too (like broken or spent).
Examples
- The howling wind shook the old house. [The participle howling answers the question, Which wind?]
- Tired hikers rested by the side of the trail. [The participle Tired answers the question, What kind of hikers?]
- Present Participles: chasing butterfly, growing plant
- Past Participles: frozen food, stolen cookies