Participle prepositions, often overlooked, are essential for mastering nuanced English grammar. They function as prepositions but originate from verb participles, adding a layer of complexity and sophistication to sentence structure.
Understanding these words is crucial for both native English speakers and learners, as it enhances writing clarity and comprehension. This article provides a detailed exploration of participle prepositions, complete with definitions, examples, usage rules, and practice exercises.
Whether you’re an intermediate learner aiming to refine your grammar or an advanced student seeking a deeper understanding, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to confidently use participle prepositions in your writing and speech.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of Participle Prepositions
- Structural Breakdown
- Types of Participle Prepositions
- Examples of Participle Prepositions
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Introduction
Participle prepositions are a fascinating area of English grammar, often blending the characteristics of verbs and prepositions. They are derived from verb forms but function as prepositions, connecting nouns or pronouns to other parts of the sentence.
Mastering these words allows for more concise and sophisticated sentence construction, improving overall communication clarity. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of participle prepositions, providing a solid foundation for understanding and using them effectively.
By exploring their definitions, structures, and usage rules, you’ll gain the confidence to navigate this often-challenging aspect of English grammar.
Definition of Participle Prepositions
A participle preposition is a word derived from a verb participle (either present or past) that functions as a preposition. Unlike true prepositions, which are invariable, participle prepositions retain some characteristics of verbs, although they primarily act to show relationships between elements in a sentence.
They always precede a noun or pronoun, forming a prepositional phrase.
Key Characteristics:
- Derived from verb participles (present or past).
- Functions as a preposition.
- Governs a noun or pronoun.
- Forms a prepositional phrase.
Participle prepositions are often confused with participles used in verb phrases or as adjectives. The crucial distinction lies in their function: participle prepositions connect nouns or pronouns to other parts of the sentence, while participles in verb phrases help form tenses, and participles as adjectives modify nouns.
Consider the following examples illustrating this difference:
- Participle Preposition: Considering the circumstances, I decided to stay.
- Participle as Adjective: The considering judge listened attentively.
- Participle in Verb Phrase: I am considering your offer.
Classification
Participle prepositions can be classified based on the type of participle they originate from:
- Present Participle Prepositions: Derived from present participles (verb + -ing), such as considering, regarding, excluding, including, pending.
- Past Participle Prepositions: Derived from past participles (usually verb + -ed or irregular forms), such as given, granted, seen.
Function
The primary function of participle prepositions is to connect a noun or pronoun (the object of the preposition) to another element in the sentence, indicating relationships such as time, cause, condition, or manner. They introduce prepositional phrases that act as adjectival or adverbial modifiers, providing additional information about the subject, verb, or object in the main clause.
These phrases enrich the sentence by adding context and detail.
Contexts
Participle prepositions are commonly used in formal writing, business correspondence, and academic texts. They offer a concise way to express complex relationships and are often preferred for their efficiency and precision. While they can also appear in spoken English, they are generally more prevalent in written communication. For example, in legal documents, phrases like “pursuant to” or “concerning” are frequently employed to ensure accuracy and clarity.
Structural Breakdown
The structure of a participle prepositional phrase is relatively straightforward. It consists of the participle preposition followed by its object (a noun or pronoun).
This object can be a single word, a phrase, or even a clause.
Structure: Participle Preposition + Object (Noun/Pronoun/Phrase/Clause)
Let’s break down the structure with examples:
- Considering the weather: Considering (participle preposition) + the weather (noun phrase)
- Regarding his performance: Regarding (participle preposition) + his performance (noun phrase)
- Given the circumstances: Given (participle preposition) + the circumstances (noun phrase)
- Excluding weekends: Excluding (participle preposition) + weekends (noun)
The entire phrase then functions as an adverbial modifier, providing additional information about the verb in the main clause. For example, in the sentence “Considering the weather, we decided to stay home,” the phrase “considering the weather” modifies the verb “decided,” explaining the reason for the decision.
The placement of the prepositional phrase is flexible. It can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence, depending on the desired emphasis and flow.
However, it’s crucial to ensure that the phrase is logically connected to the element it modifies to avoid ambiguity.
Types of Participle Prepositions
Participle prepositions can be categorized based on their origin (present or past participle) and their specific meaning. Here’s a breakdown of common types:
Present Participle Prepositions
These are derived from present participles (verb + -ing) and often express relationships involving condition, cause, or time. Common examples include:
- Considering: Taking into account. Considering his age, he’s remarkably active.
- Regarding: Concerning or about. Regarding your inquiry, we will respond shortly.
- Including: Containing as part of a whole. The price is $500, including taxes.
- Excluding: Not including; leaving out. The tour costs $100, excluding meals.
- Pending: While waiting for; until. The decision is pending further review.
- Concerning: About; relating to. I have some concerns concerning the budget.
- Respecting: With regard to; concerning. Respecting your privacy, we will keep this confidential.
- Following: After. Following the meeting, we will send out a summary.
Past Participle Prepositions
These are derived from past participles (usually verb + -ed or irregular forms) and often express relationships involving condition, cause, or acceptance. Common examples include:
- Given: Taking into account; considering. Given the circumstances, we had no choice.
- Granted: Acknowledging as true; assuming. Granted that you’re right, what should we do?
- Seen: Considering; taking into account. Seen from this perspective, the problem seems less daunting.
- Based: Having as its foundation. The movie is based on a true story.
Examples of Participle Prepositions
To solidify your understanding of participle prepositions, let’s explore numerous examples in context. The following tables provide a comprehensive list of sentences using various participle prepositions.
Present Participle Preposition Examples
The table below showcases examples using present participle prepositions in various sentence structures. Each example illustrates the preposition’s function of connecting a noun or pronoun to the rest of the sentence, adding context and modifying elements.
| Participle Preposition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Considering | Considering the high cost, we decided not to buy the car. |
| Considering | Considering all factors, the proposal was deemed acceptable. |
| Considering | Considering the lack of experience, she performed remarkably well. |
| Regarding | Regarding your application, we will contact you next week. |
| Regarding | Regarding the new policy, there will be a meeting on Friday. |
| Regarding | Regarding the ongoing project, significant progress has been made. |
| Including | The price is $50, including tax and gratuity. |
| Including | The package includes several items, including a book and a pen. |
| Including | All students are welcome, including those with disabilities. |
| Excluding | The museum is open daily, excluding Mondays. |
| Excluding | The total cost is $200, excluding travel expenses. |
| Excluding | All employees are eligible for the bonus, excluding temporary staff. |
| Pending | The contract is pending final approval from the board. |
| Pending | The decision is pending further investigation. |
| Pending | Our application is currently pending review. |
| Concerning | I have some concerns concerning the safety of the workers. |
| Concerning | The report is concerning the environmental impact of the project. |
| Concerning | We received several calls concerning the road closure. |
| Respecting | Respecting your wishes, we will not disclose your information. |
| Respecting | Respecting the environment, we use sustainable practices. |
| Respecting | Respecting cultural differences, we adapt our approach. |
| Following | Following the presentation, there will be a Q&A session. |
| Following | Following the heavy rain, the river flooded. |
| Following | Following the guidelines, we completed the project successfully. |
| Assuming | Assuming that the weather is good, we’ll go to the beach. |
| Assuming | Assuming responsibility, he apologized for the mistake. |
| Judging | Judging by his expression, he didn’t like the news. |
| Judging | Judging from the evidence, the defendant is guilty. |
Past Participle Preposition Examples
The following table provides examples of sentences using past participle prepositions. These prepositions, derived from past participles, similarly connect nouns or pronouns to the sentence, expressing conditions, causes, or assumptions.
| Participle Preposition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Given | Given the limited resources, we did our best. |
| Given | Given the opportunity, I would travel the world. |
| Given | Given the current situation, we need to act quickly. |
| Granted | Granted that you have experience, you still need training. |
| Granted | Granted her talent, she still needs to work hard. |
| Granted | Granted the difficulties, we managed to succeed. |
| Seen | Seen from this angle, the painting looks different. |
| Seen | Seen in this light, the problem seems less complicated. |
| Seen | Seen from a historical perspective, these events are significant. |
| Based | The movie is based on a true story. |
| Based | Our decision is based on the available evidence. |
| Based | The report is based on extensive research. |
| Considered | Considered a classic, the book is still widely read. |
| Determined | Determined by the committee, the winners were announced. |
| Limited | Limited to certain areas, the tourists were guided. |
| Confined | Confined to a wheelchair, he still lived a full life. |
| Supposed | Supposed to be easy, the task proved difficult. |
| Compared | Compared to last year, sales have increased. |
| Related | Related to the incident, three people were questioned. |
| Assumed | Assumed to be safe, the area was later found to be dangerous. |
| Devoted | Devoted to her work, she rarely took time off. |
| Connected | Connected to the main system, the device began working. |
| Protected | Protected by the law, the wildlife thrived. |
| Disguised | Disguised as a tourist, the spy entered the country. |
Varied Examples of Participle Prepositions
This table provides a mix of both present and past participle prepositions to illustrate their versatility and common usage. These examples cover various contexts, from business and academic settings to everyday conversations, showcasing the widespread applicability of these grammatical elements.
| Participle Preposition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Considering | Considering the circumstances, I think you did a great job. |
| Given | Given the amount of time we have, we need to prioritize. |
| Regarding | Regarding the changes to the schedule, an email was sent out. |
| Including | The cost of the trip is $1000, including airfare and accommodation. |
| Excluding | The price is $10, excluding shipping costs. |
| Pending | The application is still pending a decision. |
| Concerning | There are some concerns concerning the new regulations. |
| Respecting | Respecting your privacy, I won’t ask any personal questions. |
| Following | Following the instructions, I assembled the furniture. |
| Granted | Granted that you’re experienced, you’ll still need an orientation. |
| Seen | Seen from a distance, the building looks magnificent. |
| Based | The argument is based on flawed logic. |
| Assuming | Assuming that everything goes as planned, we’ll finish on time. |
| Judging | Judging from the look on his face, he knew something was wrong. |
| Compared | Compared to other models, this one is much more efficient. |
| Related | Related to the investigation, several documents were seized. |
| Confined | Confined to his home, he worked remotely. |
| Determined | Determined by the weather, the game was postponed. |
| Limited | Limited to a specific time frame, we had to work quickly. |
| Supposed | Supposed to be easy, the recipe turned out to be quite complex. |
| Devoted | Devoted to her family, she always put them first. |
| Connected | Connected to the internet, the device worked perfectly. |
| Protected | Protected by a firewall, the system was secure. |
| Disguised | Disguised as a worker, he infiltrated the building. |
| Considering | Considering the evidence, the jury reached a verdict. |
| Given | Given the chance, I would do it all over again. |
| Regarding | Regarding your request, we are processing it now. |
| Including | The price is all-inclusive, including meals and activities. |
Usage Rules
Using participle prepositions correctly requires understanding their function and adhering to specific rules. Here’s a comprehensive overview:
- Placement: Participle prepositions always precede a noun or pronoun (or a noun phrase/clause acting as the object). The entire phrase acts as an adverbial modifier.
- Agreement: Participle prepositions do not change form to agree with the nouns or pronouns they govern. They remain constant regardless of the number or gender of the object.
- Clarity: Ensure the participle prepositional phrase clearly modifies the intended element in the sentence. Misplaced phrases can lead to ambiguity.
- Formal Usage: Participle prepositions are generally more common in formal writing than in casual speech.
- Avoid Dangling Participles: A dangling participle occurs when the participle phrase doesn’t clearly modify any word in the sentence or seems to modify the wrong word. For example: Incorrect: Considering the weather, the game was canceled. (Who is considering the weather?) Correct: Considering the weather, we canceled the game.
Exceptions and Special Cases
While the rules outlined above generally apply, there are some exceptions and special cases to be aware of:
- Complex Objects: The object of a participle preposition can sometimes be a complex phrase or clause, requiring careful attention to sentence structure.
- Idiomatic Usage: Some participle prepositions have idiomatic usages that may not be immediately apparent from their literal meaning. For example, “notwithstanding” means “in spite of.”
- Contextual Meaning: The precise meaning of a participle preposition can vary slightly depending on the context. Pay attention to the surrounding words and phrases to determine the intended meaning.
Common Mistakes
Learners often make specific mistakes when using participle prepositions. Recognizing these errors can help improve accuracy.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Considering of the weather, we stayed inside. | Considering the weather, we stayed inside. | The preposition “of” is unnecessary after “considering.” |
| Regarding to your question, I will answer it. | Regarding your question, I will answer it. | The preposition “to” is incorrect after “regarding.” |
| Including of taxes, the price is $100. | Including taxes, the price is $100. | The preposition “of” is unnecessary after “including.” |
| Given of his experience, he was hired. | Given his experience, he was hired. | The preposition “of” is unnecessary after “given.” |
| The game was canceled, considering the rain. | Considering the rain, the game was canceled. | The phrase is dangling. It’s unclear who is considering the rain. By placing the phrase at the beginning, it clearly modifies “canceled.” |
| Respecting of your opinion, I disagree. | Respecting your opinion, I disagree. | The preposition “of” is unnecessary after “respecting.” |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of participle prepositions with the following exercises. Identify the correct usage and correct any errors.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate participle preposition from the list: considering, regarding, including, excluding, given.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. ______ the circumstances, we decided to postpone the meeting. | Given |
| 2. ______ your application, we have decided to offer you the position. | Regarding |
| 3. The price is $50, ______ tax. | Including |
| 4. The library is open every day, ______ Sundays. | Excluding |
| 5. ______ the low turnout, we canceled the event. | Considering |
| 6. ______ all the factors, the decision was difficult. | Considering |
| 7. ______ your qualifications, we were very impressed. | Regarding |
| 8. The package includes several items, ______ a book and a pen. | Including |
| 9. ______ the weather forecast, we decided to stay home. | Given |
| 10. The tour is available daily, ______ public holidays. | Excluding |
Exercise 2: Identify and Correct Errors
Identify and correct any errors in the following sentences related to participle prepositions.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Considering of the cost, we decided against it. | Considering the cost, we decided against it. |
| 2. Regarding to your inquiry, we will respond shortly. | Regarding your inquiry, we will respond shortly. |
| 3. The price is $100, including of taxes. | The price is $100, including taxes. |
| 4. Given of the chance, I would travel the world. | Given the chance, I would travel the world. |
| 5. Respecting of your privacy, we will keep this confidential. | Respecting your privacy, we will keep this confidential. |
| 6. Following of the meeting, a report was issued. | Following the meeting, a report was issued. |
| 7. The decision was made, considering all factors. | Considering all factors, the decision was made. (Improved Clarity) |
| 8. Assuming of the risk, he proceeded with the plan. | Assuming the risk, he proceeded with the plan. |
| 9. Judging of his expression, he was not pleased. | Judging by his expression, he was not pleased. |
| 10. Confined of his room, he read a book. | Confined to his room, he read a book. |
Exercise 3: Sentence Construction
Construct sentences using the following participle prepositions: concerning, pending, based, limited, devoted.
| Participle Preposition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Concerning | I have some questions concerning the new policy. |
| Pending | The contract is pending final review. |
| Based | The movie is based on a true story. |
| Limited | Access is limited to authorized personnel. |
| Devoted | She is devoted to her family. |
| Concerning | The documents are concerning the company’s finances. |
| Pending | Our application is pending approval. |
| Based | The research is based on extensive data collection. |
| Limited | The offer is limited to the first 100 customers. |
| Devoted | He is devoted to his work. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, exploring more complex aspects of participle prepositions can further refine their understanding. This includes:
- Distinguishing Participle Prepositions from Gerunds: Both participles and gerunds can end in “-ing,” but they function differently. Participle prepositions act as prepositions, while gerunds function as nouns. For example:
- Considering the options (participle preposition).
- Considering the options is important (gerund).
- Multiple Participle Prepositional Phrases: Sentences can contain multiple participle prepositional phrases, adding layers of complexity. Careful attention to sentence structure is crucial to maintain clarity.
- Formal vs. Informal Usage: While participle prepositions are generally more formal, some are commonly used in informal speech. Understanding the nuances of usage in different contexts is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between a participle preposition and a regular preposition?
A participle preposition is derived from a verb participle (present or past), while a regular preposition is not. Participle prepositions retain some characteristics of verbs, while regular prepositions are invariable.
- How can I identify a participle preposition in a sentence?
Look for words ending in “-ing” or past participle forms that precede a noun or pronoun and function to connect that noun or pronoun to another part of the sentence. They introduce a prepositional phrase and act as modifiers.
- Are participle prepositions always followed by a noun?
Participle prepositions are always followed by a noun, pronoun, noun phrase, or clause, which acts as the object of the preposition.
- Can a participle preposition be used at the end of a sentence?
No, participle prepositions cannot be used at the end of a sentence because they must be followed by their object (a noun or pronoun).
- What is a dangling participle, and how can I avoid it?
A dangling participle occurs when the participle phrase doesn’t clearly modify any word in the sentence or seems to modify the wrong word. To avoid it, ensure the phrase clearly and logically modifies the intended element in the sentence, usually the subject of the main clause. Re-writing the sentence is often required.
- Is it okay to use participle prepositions in informal writing?
While participle prepositions are generally more common in formal writing, some are perfectly acceptable in informal contexts. Consider the overall tone of your writing and choose the most appropriate language.
- Are there any participle prepositions that are always used in a specific context?
Yes, some participle prepositions are more commonly used in specific contexts. For example, “pursuant to” is often used in legal documents, while “regarding” is common in business correspondence.
- How can I improve my understanding and use of participle prepositions?
Practice is key. Read widely, paying attention to how participle prepositions are used in context. Complete grammar exercises and seek feedback on your writing to identify areas for improvement.
Conclusion
Mastering participle prepositions is a valuable step towards enhancing your English grammar skills. These versatile words, derived from verb participles, function as prepositions, adding nuance and sophistication to your writing and speech.
By understanding their definition, structure, and usage rules, you can confidently incorporate them into your communication.
Remember to pay attention to common mistakes, such as using unnecessary prepositions or creating dangling participles. Regular practice and exposure to diverse texts will further solidify your understanding.
Embrace the challenge of mastering participle prepositions, and you’ll undoubtedly elevate your English language proficiency.