Participle clauses: Condensing related information into a non-finite clause

A participle clause uses an -ing form, a past participle or having + past participle to add information without a full finite clause. It can express time, reason, result, condition or accompanying circumstances.

Examples

Walking through the market, I noticed a familiar face.

The -ing clause describes an action happening alongside the main action.
Built in 1890, the house still has its original windows.

The past-participle clause has a passive meaning.
Having finished the report, Maya went home.

The perfect participle makes the earlier action explicit.

Participle clause vs. full adverb clause

Full clause

Because he felt exhausted, Karim left early.

The reason clause contains its own subject and finite verb.

Participle clause

Feeling exhausted, Karim left early.

The subject is understood from the main clause.

The participle clause compresses the information. Its understood subject must normally be the same as the subject of the main clause.

Conjunctions can make the relationship clearer

Words such as when, while, if, although and once can remain before a participle clause when the logical relationship needs to be explicit.

When asked about the delay, the manager apologized.

When makes the time relationship explicit; asked has passive meaning.
Although living abroad, she remained close to her family.

Although marks contrast.