Participle clauses
Having finished…, Seen from above…, Not knowing what to do… – shorter, more elegant sentences.
Participle clauses let you pack two ideas into one sentence. They make your writing more sophisticated – and they come up in Part 4 and in the best essays.
Three kinds
Useful patterns
How it comes up in Part 4
In Part 4 you complete the second sentence with the key word, so that it means the same as the first one (3–6 words).
HAVING
Having finished her degree , she moved to Berlin.
One action before another → having + past participle.
KNOWING
Not knowing the way , he asked for directions.
Negative reason → not + -ing.
BUILT
Built in the 1850s , the bridge is still in use.
Passive meaning → past participle.
Common mistakes
- ✗ Arriving at the station, the train had left.✓ Arriving at the station, I found that the train had left.The participle must refer to the subject – the train didn't arrive at the station!
- ✗ Having been finished the work, we left.✓ Having finished the work, we left.Active meaning → having + past participle (no 'been').
- ✗ Not having money, so I stayed home.✓ Not having any money, I stayed home.Don't add 'so' – the participle clause already shows the reason.
In Part 4, 'After + past perfect' often becomes 'Having + past participle', and 'Because I didn't…' becomes 'Not + -ing'. Check the subject is the same in both parts of the sentence.
Quick check
Complete the second sentence so that it means the same as the first. Use the key word and write 3–6 words.
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