In a previous article, we learned that verbs can function as NOUNS (gerunds). Today, we’ll learn how to make verbs into ADJECTIVES (words or phrases that describe). Now you might wonder why we would be so cruel as to force verbs to do more than one job, that is, to wear multiple hats. The answer is simple. We want more bang for our buck. Like all consumers, we want variety. Choice. But we don’t want to pay more. So we do some repurposing. Using verbs as nouns and adjectives will make our writing richer and more vibrant. We need to mix it up a little to prevent readers from falling asleep. In this the Internet age, with click bait’s surrounding us and everyone’s vying for attention, the worst quality we can have as writers is to be BORING.
So let’s mix things up…
Participles come in two main forms: the present (–ing form) and the past (–d, –ed, or irregular).
Here are some examples:
Present: freezing, nodding, relaxing, smiling, threatening, twinkling, visiting, whispering
Past: baked, confused, dug, embellished, frightened, repaired, shaken, stung, washed, written
We can use participles in two ways.
1. To describe a noun
A. We can use just a participle immediately preceding a noun (what we call a ‘participial adjective’).
Underline = participle; Bold = noun
The twinkling stars astounded the small child.
I was nervous about seeing my visiting relatives; they disapprove of the way I live.
The shaken can of pop exploded.
The written word is powerful.
The tweeting birds drive me insane in the morning! They never let me sleep!
B. We can use 1) a participle alone, 2) a participle and an adverb, or 3) a participle and an object (what we call a ‘participial phrase’), also before the noun (here, the subject), but usually at the beginning of a sentence and set off by a comma.
In every case, the participial phrase describes or gives more information about the subject of the sentence.
Underline = participle; Bold = object; Italics = adverb; CAPS = subject
Waving, MY NIECES AND NEPHEWS ran out to meet me.
Frightened, THEY screamed and hid among the trees.
Delighted by the movie, THE AUDIENCE MEMBERS applauded at the end.
Setting aside their differences, THE UNITED STATES AND THE U.S.S.R. worked together to fight the Nazis during World War II.
Speaking passionately, MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. inspired others to fight for racial equality.
Grinning broadly, THE YOUNG WOMAN accepted the keys for the new BMW she had won on the game show.
To make this even more interesting, we can use what we call the ‘perfect tense of the past participle’. That’s where we put “having” or “having been” before the participle.
Having eaten three Thanksgiving dinners, ABE felt sick.
Having been petted and fed, THE CAT purred and rolled onto his back.
From the examples, you can see that we use “having” for the doer of the action and “having been” for the receiver. Abe ate. The cat was petted and fed (by his human companion, I imagine).
2. To describe a situation (answering the question when, how, or why)
A. We can use a noun and a participle and maybe even a prepositional phrase or adjective together (what we call ‘an absolute phrase’) at the beginning of a sentence to give some background. Absolute phrases explain when, how, or why.
Here, you can also use the ‘perfect tense of the past participle’ (i.e., “having done” or “having been done”).
Underline = participle; Bold = noun; Italics = prepositional phrase; CAPS = adjective
Absolute phrases that answer the question when
Their luggage packed, the Smiths left for the airport.
Their costumes having been made, the children prepared to go trick-or-treating.
The rain starting, we ducked into a café.
Absolute phrases that answer the question how
Their faces smudged with dirt, the children continued to make mud pies.
My loyal dog running by my side, I journeyed through the Alaskan wilderness.
Absolute phrases that answer the question why
The angry sky threatening a thunderstorm, the hikers frantically tried to find shelter.
The weather being BEAUTIFUL, the teacher held class outside.
My homework having been completed, I went to the movies with my friends.
My brother having done my chores, I gave him a hug.
If you apply these new tools (verbs transformed into nouns and adjectives) to your writing, you’ll receive more likes, retweets, and upvotes than you can handle!