Time & Reason Clauses with Participles (Basic)
B2 Level
English Exercises is teacher-led by Charlie. About the teacher · How content is made
The most important rule is shared subject. The person or thing in the participle clause must also be the subject of the main clause. In "Walking to work, she saw an old friend", she was walking and she saw the friend. Time clauses often use an -ing form to show an action in progress. Reason clauses with be plus an adjective often become Being plus that adjective. This exercise builds the basic pattern before you meet negative, passive, and condition meanings.
Quick Rule
time: while/when/as + subject + was/were + -ing -> -ing phrase | reason: because/since/as + subject + was/were (+ not) + adjective -> (Not) being + adjective
- 1.While she was walking to work, she saw an old friend.
- 2.Walking to work, she saw an old friend.
- 3.Because he was not ready, he asked for more time.
- 4.Not being ready, he asked for more time.
- 5.As they were aware of the risks, they took extra precautions.
All 20 questions
Rewrite the sentence using a participle clause to replace the time or reason clause. Your answer begins after the prompt.
While she was walking to work, she saw an old friend.
Walking
Because he was tired, he went to bed early.
Being
As she was leaving the building, she noticed it was raining.
Leaving
Because she knew the answer, she raised her hand immediately.
Knowing
While he was waiting for the bus, he read the newspaper.
Waiting
Because she felt unwell, she decided to stay home.
Feeling
When he was crossing the street, he dropped his phone.
Crossing
Since she was the oldest child, she helped take care of her siblings.
Being
While they were driving through the countryside, they saw beautiful scenery.
Driving
Because he was a doctor, he knew what to do in the emergency.
Being
As he was running to catch the train, he tripped on the steps.
Running
Because she wanted to improve her English, she moved to London.
Wanting
While she was cooking dinner, she listened to music.
Cooking
Because he was hungry, he stopped at a cafe.
Being
While he was working late at the office, he heard a strange noise.
Working
Since she believed in the project, she volunteered to help.
Believing
As they were sitting in the garden, they watched the sunset.
Sitting
Because he was afraid of heights, he refused to climb the ladder.
Being
While she was searching for her keys, she found an old photograph.
Searching
Because they were aware of the risks, they took extra precautions.
Being
Continue Practising
Continue practising with these related exercises
Participle Clauses Error Correction
HardSpot and fix participle clause mistakes in full sentences
20 questions
Reducing Relative Clauses - Easy
EasyPractise shortening active relative clauses with present participles
20 questions
Reducing Relative Clauses - Intermediate
MediumChoose present or past participles for active and passive relative clauses
20 questions
Reducing Relative Clauses - Advanced
HardReduce longer active and passive relative clauses in formal sentences
20 questions
Perfect Participles - Easy
HardUse Having plus past participle to show completed earlier actions
20 questions
Perfect Participles - Intermediate
HardPractise active and passive perfect participle clauses
20 questions