past participles
The
past participle of a verb is used to form perfect tenses, passives, and, in some cases, adjectives. It is also called the
`-ed' form, especially when it is used as an adjective.
Jobs are still being lost.
We cannot refuse to teach children the required subjects.
The past participle is usually the same as the past form of the verb, except in the case of irregular verbs. See entry at ↑
Irregular verbs.
◊ in non-finite clauses
In writing, a past participle can be used to begin a non-finite clause, with a passive meaning. For example, instead of writing `She was saddened by their betrayal and resigned', you could write `Saddened by their betrayal, she resigned'. The main clause can refer to a consequence of the situation mentioned in the past participle clause, or just to a related event that followed it.
Stunned by the swiftness of the assault, the enemy were overwhelmed.
Granted an amnesty and prematurely released, she rallied her followers and continued the struggle.
This structure is used especially with past participles which indicate feelings. Alternative structures are `having been', `after having been', or `after being' followed by a past participle.
Having been left fatherless in early childhood he was brought up by his uncle.
...the prints of two hands pressed on the stone after having been dipped in red paint.
After being left for an hour in the shower room, we were placed in separate cells.
Past participles can be used in clauses introduced by a subordinating conjunction, with no subject or auxiliary, when the subject would be the same as the one in the main clause.
Dogs, when threatened, make themselves smaller and whimper like puppies.
Although now recognised as an important habitat for birds, the area of Dorset heathland has been cut in half since 1962.
◊ after nouns
You can use a clause beginning with a past participle after a noun, `those', or an indefinite pronoun to identify or describe someone by saying what happens or has happened to them.
...a successful method of bringing up children rejected by their natural parents.
Many of those questioned in the poll agreed with the party's policy on defence.
It doesn't have to be someone appointed by the government.
Useful english dictionary.
2012.