Participle

usgb/ˈpɑːrtɪsɪpl/
noun

A word formed from a verb, often used in written English in a specific form.

In the sentence 'The child is sleeping,' 'sleeping' is a present participle.
Visual representation of "participle" - A word formed from a verb, often used in written English in a specific form.

Often appears as...

  • present participle
  • past participle

Usage tips

Academic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "participle"
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Verb Forms

Participles are not standard verbs; they are verb forms used like adjectives or to form verb tenses.

Illustration for Verb Forms
The 'baked' in 'baked beans' describes the beans.
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Active Meaning

A present participle often describes an action someone/something is actively doing.

Illustration for Active Meaning
'Running' water indicates the water is flowing.
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Continuous Action

Present participles can give a sense of ongoing action in the present, past, or future.

Illustration for Continuous Action
He will be 'running' the meeting tomorrow.
Visual representation of the word "Participle"

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