Grammar Notes

Participles are verbs that take on an adjective form. They go before a noun or at the beginning of an adjective clause. The endings of these participles change depending on whether the nouns they describe are the agent of the verb forming the participle.

A. If the noun is the agent (doing the action expressed in the participle), choose an -ing form.
B. If the noun is NOT the agent, choose an -ed form.
- The results of the first quarter were confusing to shareholders.
- After a confusing start, the workshop continued with no problems.
- The owner felt confused after investment in marketing failed to pay off.
- The confused employee asked his coworker for help.

A. An -ing form can be used when two things occur at the same time.
- Jake submitted his résumé, hoping to get a job at the company.
B. An -ing form can be used when one action occurs as a result of the first action.
- Struggling tirelessly, the company eventually found itself ranked in the top three in the industry.
C. An -ing clause can be an explanation of the following main clause.
- Feeling tired, he left the office early.
D. An -ed form can be used when the object of the verb expressed in the participle serves as the subject of the main clause.
- Situated on a hill, the hotel commands a fine view.
E. An -ed form can be used after if, when, while, once, and until, particularly in formal style.
- Once switched on, the photocopier needs time to warm up.
- If asked to sign the contract, make sure you read it carefully.