~ing form clauses can replace both defining and non-defining relative clauses with an active verb as long as the subject is the same in both clauses.
Examples:
- The people who were sitting at the back couldn't see or hear anything.
- The people sitting at the back couldn't see or hear anything.
- The people who I was sitting beside at the back couldn't see or hear anything.
- The people sitting beside at the back couldn't see or hear anything.
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If the relative clause contains a passive verb, both the relative pronoun and auxiliary verb, "be" can be omitted.
Example:
- The area which was chosen for re-development runs along the Fraser River.
- The area chosen for re-development runs along the Fraser River.
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Participle clauses are often used as adverbials. They are describing how something was done.
At the same time:
Examples:
- We sat on the bench waiting for the bus to arrive.
- I was so tired last night that I went to bed wearing my shoes.
- Yesterday, I took a walk in the park listening to my MP3 player.
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Because
Examples:
- Listening to music in my headphones, I could not hear the conversation taking place beside me.
- Living in a busy part of the city, sometimes it is difficult to get a good night's sleep.
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To focus on completion of an action we need to use a Perfect Participle. (having + pp)
Examples:
- Having seen the movie two nights ago, I decided to refuse their invitation to see it again.
- Having made a reservation two hours earlier, we arrived at the restaurant and were seated immediately.
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After:
Examples:
- Entering the office, John was greeted by his coworkers.
- Having taken a shower and eaten breakfast, the man left home a couple minutes past 8am.
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So that / With the result that:
Example:
| He forgot to call his wife, making her extremely angry once again. |
If
Examples:
- Worn with red shoes, those jeans would look really good on you!
- In my opinion, fish tastes better cooked with olive oil.
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When using participle clauses as adverbials, we have to be careful about the Passive. Instead of using Past Participles, we use "being + pp" or "having + been + pp".
Examples:
- Having been given a ticket for speeding, she returned home in embarrassment. (Reason)
- Being destroyed by fire in the fall, the house was rebuilt in the spring. (Action Before Another)
- The man confidently gave his presentation being watched closely by his coworkers. (Same Time)
- The photos, having been taken by a professional photographer, were absolutely amazing. (Reason)
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