44.2 Participial adjectives

A participle is a verb form. There are two types of participles, the present participle and the past participle.

1

The present participle is a verb that ends -ing. It is formed by adding -ing to the base form of a verb.

1.a

It is used in the continuous or progressive verb form (Refer to Lesson 16.1-8, present continuous tense), example:

Children are dashing around excitedly.

1.b

It is used as a present participle adjective, example:

The prince looks dashing in his army uniform.

2

The past participle is formed by adding -ed or -d to the base form of a verb. Other less common participles end in -n, -ne or -t.

2.a

It is used with the auxiliary verb ‘have’ to form the perfect tense (Refer to Lesson 25.1-7, present perfect tense), example:

The chef has prepared a lavish dinner.

2.b

It is used with the verb ‘be’ to form the passive voice (Refer to Lessons 35 – 41, the passive voice), example:

A lavish dinner has been prepared.

2.c

It is used as a past participle adjective, example:

She is prepared to take the challenges.