Exercises

Exercise 1

Point out the First Participle and state its functions in the sentence.

1. She sat very still, and the train rattled on in the dying twilight.

2. I sat quite silent, watching his face, a strong and noble face.

3. He wished to say something sympathetic, but, being an Englishman, could only turn away his eyes.

4. She was always to him a laughing girl, with dancing eyes full of eager expectations.

5. It was a bright Sunday morning of early summer, promising heat.

6. The door opened and he entered, carrying his head as though it held some fatal secret.

7. I’m afraid it’s the moon looking so much like a slice of melon.

8. Lying he spoke more quickly than when he told the truth.

9. I hadn’t slept the night before, and, having eaten a heavy lunch, was agreeably drowsy.

10. When driving in London itself she had as immediate knowledge of its streets as any taxi-driver.

11. While eating and drinking they talked loudly in order that all present might hear what they said.

12. For the first time she stared about her, trying to see what there was.

13. I received from her another letter saying that she was passing through Paris and would like to have a chat with me.

14. I sat on the doorstep holding my little sister in my arms thinking over my chances of escaping from home.

15. I used to tell Mr. Winkshap all my troubles, our neighbour living next door.

Exercise 2

State the functions of Participle I. Translate the sentences into Ukrainian.

1. Hoping Christine would come soon, he returned his attention to Flora and the morning mail.

2. He handed the message to her, who read it, leaning towards the light beside her.

3. He began to stammer, gazing at her troubled eyes.

4. Mr. Parker stood, looking up and down.

5. Relocking the door, he glanced at the envelope.

6. Louise straightened her handbag, searching for her pencil.

7. They left the shining carriage, with the shining horses.

8. Daisy took her face in her hands as if feeling its lovely shape.

9. Two little boys carrying toy aeroplanes stopped dead, examining her dark eyelashes resting on her cream-coloured cheeks.

10. Putting down the receiver, Fleur took up the time-table.

Exercise 3

Note the time distinctions of Participle I.

1. Taking his seat, he looked at his watch.

2. Lingering in the cold, he debated whether he should ride on to the house.

3. Having heard the gist of the report, Mr. Smith did not dispute it.

4. Arriving at the station, she saw him at once, leaning against the railing.

5. Crossing that little empty room to the door, she thought, “It opens inwards, I must pull it to behind me!”

6. Adrian, glancing around, suddenly saw Kate.

7. Jane, having slammed the kitchen door, stood waiting for Tom to open it.

8. So thinking, he paused before his house door.

9. Hearing that the new member would be at his headquarters all the morning, the sisters started about eleven o’clock.

10. About to sink into an armchair, he noticed standing before the fire a tallish thin man with twisting dark eyebrows.

Exercise 4

Comment on the functions of the participle in the following sentences.

1. Ann sat in the arm-chair reading a book.

2. Having discovered his mistake, Ben was very frightened.

3. Denis entered the room apologizing for his delay.

4. The boy could hear the rain tapping against the window.

5. The room was crowded with people discussing something loudly.

6. Speaking frankly, I’m not interested in painting.

7. Though frightened of being left by herself, Helen didn’t show it.

8. Henry heard his name pronounced.

9. The children looked annoyed.

10. After the storm there were some fallen trees in the garden.

Exercise 5

Point out the Second Participle and state its functions in the sentence.

1. His name was well-known among the younger writers of France.

2. London, like most cities which have a long history behind them, is not really one single city, but rather a collection of once separated towns and villages which in the course of time have grown together.

3. The door opened. A little frightened girl stood in the light that fell from the passage.

4. The broad thoroughfare which runs between Trafalgar Square and the Houses of Parliament, is known as Whitehall.

5. The child kept silent and looked frightened.

6. She glanced up at the top of the hill. High in the air, a little figure, his hands thrust in his short jacket pockets, stood staring out to sea.

7. He lived in a little village situated at the foot of a hill.

8. He fell asleep exhausted by his journey.

9. If you hadn’t caught sight of him at the door he might have slipped out unnoticed.

10. In the coppice they sat down on a fallen tree.

11. Seen from the hills the city looks magnificent, and especially at night in the electric light.

12. She entered the drawing-room accompanied by her husband and her father.

13. Presently I grew tired and went to bed.

14. Locked in her room, she flung herself on the bed and cried bitterly.

15. She sat for a while with her eyes shut.

16. The house in which he lives is still more than a cottage, looked at from outside, but there are more rooms in it than one would think.

Exercise 6

State the forms and functions of the participles. Translate the sentences into Ukrainian.

1. The amazing thing about the whole situation was that they were able to live for a long time without water.

2. The town deserted since the battles, stood back and half-ruined.

3. Having signed the will I left the office.

4. Fees paid in advance are not refundable.

5. Sitting in a front row we had an excellent view.

6. I noticed him coming along the road.

7. Students starting on Monday should arrive by 8.30.

8. Ray, depressed after his unfortunate road accident, decided to go on holiday.

9. Not having studied, I failed the exam.

10. Jane ate her dinner sitting in front of the television.

11. I watched boats sailing by.

12. The footballer, turning awkwardly, sprained his ankle.

13. I don’t like to see singing birds in cages.

14. Being my friend he helped me a lot.

15. Finding him a bore I kept out of his way.

16. He locked the cupboard quickly, as if trying to hide something from us.

17. We were delayed by heavy tracks loaded into the ship.

18. Having been invited to speak to you I must say a few words.

19. Covered with confusion, they apologized.

20. When questioned, he denied being a member of the group.

21. Considered works of art, they were admitted into the country without customs duties.

22. I can see several people standing.

23. The injured man was taken to hospital.

24. They were well-behaved and well-spoken children.

25. When writing a business letter begin with “Dear Sir”.

26. He moved his lips as if trying to speak.

27. I was asked if I had noticed anyone leaving the building.

28. We all suddenly sensed danger approaching.

29. You should have your eyes tested.

30. I’d like the work finished by Wednesday.

Exercise 7

Read the following extracts and comment on the usage of Participles I and II.