PARTICIPLES

Big Idea: A participle is a form of a verb that is often used as an

adjective.
Participles usually end in --ing, --ed, or --en.
Examples: walking tour eaten hamburger cooked food baked beans

Directions: Please underline each participle in the following sentence. Draw an arrow to the
noun that it describes. Participles, like other adjectives, tell what kind or which one.

1. Where did Maddie hide Tara's running shoes?

2. Nolan dropped the burned toast into the trash when his stressed mom was not looking.

3. Andy and Gustaf surprised their hard-working principal with a loud cheer.

4. Shea knows that many advertising companies target girls in their early teens.

5. "Abandoned cats and dogs have become a common sight in our cities," said Walker.

6. The reporting journalist squinted at the bright lights in William's house.

7. Ashton and Stephanie, well-trained trapeze artists, began their work in Florence, Italy.

8. Olivia realized that there are no quick fixes for broken people.

9. Jack waved at his cheering fans.

10. Trevor placed the frozen enchiladas on the counter in front of Benjamin.

11. Jared knew that the running water would provide a beautiful backdrop for his photograph.

12. Mikey was able to stop the raging bull from attacking Warren.

13. The dripping faucet kept Chloe awake all night.

14. Gianni turned away from the crushed bug on his desk.

15. Lorenzo and Isabel were able to repair the broken faucet.

16. Dried meat and preserved fruit are Thad's favorite foods.

17. Cathryn bought a talking bird for Natalie.

18. The frozen fish was an easy meal for Addie to cook.

19. A broken clock, a smiling clown, and a hissing cat sat on Austin's mantelpiece.
Combine the following pairs of sentences by using participles.

1. We met a boy. He was carrying a heavy bag.

2. The house was decorated with lights. It looked beautiful.
3. The robbers saw the policeman. They ran away.
4. I found the door open. I went inside.
5. The police saw the body. It was floating down the river.
6. He cried at the top of his voice. He rushed at the thief.
7. We had worked for several hours. We came out of the office.
8. The troops gave a blow to the enemy. It was stunning.
9. His handwriting was illegible. I couldn’t figure out what he had written.
10. We make some friendships in childhood. They last for ever.
11. The sun had risen. We set out on our journey.
12. I walked along the road. I saw a snake.
13. He lost all his money in gambling. He became a pauper.
14. I took a cue from his words. I solved the riddle.
15. The burglars broke the door open. They entered the house.
16. He didn’t realize the implication of his words. He went on speaking.
17. The enemy forces had been defeated by our army. They retreated fast into their own
territory.
18. It was a fine day. Everybody was out on the roads.
EXERCISE: Find the participle in the following sentences. Then, mention what
each participle modifies.
1. The truck swerving almost hit a pedestrian.
Participle: Modifies:
2. The swollen river provided water for the crops.
Participle: Modifies:
3. Lionel believed that with enough effort, nothing is a lost cause.
Participle: Modifies:
4. Grinning shyly, the boy asked his friend to prom.
Participle: Modifies:
5. The trained dogs could do many tricks.
Participle: Modifies:
6. Growing teenagers need a lot of sleep.
Participle: Modifies:
7. Exhausted from the swim, Jim relaxed on the sand.
Participle: Modifies:
8. Several of the falling branches blocked the road after the storm.
Participle: Modifies:
9. The growling dog scared the young child.
Participle: Modifies:
10.The squeaking wheel annoyed John.
Participle: Modifies: