Participle clause

A participle clause is a subordinate clause in which the -ing participle or the past participle is the main word. Participle clauses are found particularly in written English [see Nonfinite clause].

1. The participle normally begins the clause

	adverbial participle clause	relative participle clause
-ing clause	Being a woman of firm views, Susan decided to resign.	The train arriving at Platform 4 is the 21.30 for London Central.
past participle clause	Accused of dishonesty by the media, the President decided to resign.	The police are looking for a man known as "The Black Cat".

2. Adverbial participle clauses

Adverbial participle clauses are similar to clauses of time or reason. Compare the {bracketed} clauses in each of the following examples.

3. Clauses with conjunctions

Clauses beginning with these conjunctions can be formed with participles and without a subject:
(1) if, unless [see Conditional clause]
(2) (al)though, while [see Contrast]
(3) where, wherever [see Place]
(4) whether [see Conditional clause + Contrast]
(5) when, whenever, before, after, while, once, until [see Time]

Conjunction	Participle	Rest of Clause
After	being	accused of dishonesty ...
Before	meeting	the President ...
If	bought	from a recognized seller ...
Once	taken
While	working	in a bank ...

Examples:
(1) After being accused of dishonesty, he resigned.
(2) Before meeting the President, the press were warned not to ask awkward questions.
(3) Once taken, the drug has a deadly effect.

4. Relative participle clauses

Relative participle clauses give more information about a noun. The relative pronoun + be are omitted.
Ex:
(1) the train (which is) arriving at Platform 4 ...
(2) a man (who is) known as "The Black Cat" ...

5. Where to use participle clauses

On the whole, it it better not to use participle clauses in speech: they are too formal. But in writing they can be useful, becuase they allow us to say the same thing as a finite clause, but in fewer words.

6. Sometimes a participle clause has an expressed subject

Our company's performance this year has been slightly disappointing. That said, we can look forward to improved results next winter. (= "Once that has been said, ...")

I hope this article helps. If you have any question, please leave a comment below.