There are two participles: The present participle and the past participle. They can both be used as adjectives.

Present participle
The present participle is formed by adding "-ing" to the base form of a verb. It is used in:

1. Continuous or Progressive verb forms
   • I'm leaving in five minutes.
   • The girl is swimming
2. As an adjective
   • A dying man
   • Your mother is a charming person
3. As a gerund
   • He is afraid of flying.

Note the exceptions in spelling when adding "ing":

Past participle
The past participle is formed by adding "-ed" to the base form, unless it is an irregular verb. It is used:

1. As an adjective
   • A tired group
   • Spoken words cannot be revoked.
2. With the auxiliary verb "have" to form the perfect aspect
   • The gas station has closed
   • They've just arrived.
3. With the verb "be" to form the passive
   • He was robbed a couple of days ago.
   • The letter was written.

Note the following exceptions in spelling when adding "ed":

» Base Form » Dynamic Verb » Gerund

» Infinitive » Irregular Verb » Verbs

Back to:	Sponsored by:
English Grammar English Language	English language courses English Resources