What Is a Present Participle? | Definition & Examples
The present participle form of a verb can be used in two ways: as an adjective or as part of a progressive verb tense.
Every present participle ends in “-ing” (this includes both regular verbs and irregular verbs).
Being a bit naughty, the children snuck into the movie theater.
We would love to attend, but we’re competing in a race that day.
I’ve been having vivid dreams lately.
How to form present participles
Both regular and irregular verbs have present participles that end in “-ing.”
Mattias is just being stubborn.
The new actor’s performance was compelling.
- In British English, you generally double the “l” whenever it comes at the end of a two-syllable word and then add “-ing” (e.g., “cancel” becomes “cancelling”).
- American English applies this rule only if the second syllable receives the emphasis (e.g., the present participle of “cancel” is spelled “canceling,” but “patrol” becomes “patrolling”).
The QuillBot Grammar Checker can help ensure you use the correct present participle form.
How to use a present participle as an adjective
A present participle can function as an adjective that describes a noun or pronoun.
The old house had a crumbling, moss-covered facade.
Skydiving was a terrifying but exhilarating experience.
Participial phrases
Participial phrases are groups of words that begin with a participle and act as an adjective to modify a noun or pronoun in the main clause.
If a participial phrase begins a sentence, it must be followed by a comma. Similarly, if a participial phrase interrupts a sentence and provides nonessential information, it should be enclosed in commas. No commas are needed if the participle phrase occurs in the middle of a sentence and provides essential information.
A nurse, opening the door abruptly, announced that the doctor would be in soon.
The boy wearing the red shirt is our top student, Adam.
- Waiting for the train, a stray dog approached Karen.
- Waiting for the train, Karen was approached by a stray dog.
- Karen, waiting for the train, was approached by a stray dog.
The first (incorrect) sentence states that a stray dog was waiting for the train. Moving the noun “Karen” immediately before or after the participial phrase makes it clear that she is the one waiting for the train.
Present participles and progressive verb tenses
Each of the three main progressive verb tenses (or “continuous” tenses) includes a present participle preceded by a conjugated form of the auxiliary verb “be.”
The most commonly used progressive verb tenses are past, present, and future.
- Past progressive (describes an ongoing action that was in progress in the past, sometimes one that was interrupted)
- Present progressive (describes an action happening now or a temporary habit)
- Future progressive (describes an action that will occur in the future for an extended period)
Ariel is talking too loudly.
Tony will be leaving for a new job in New York.
Present participles vs gerunds
Gerunds look identical to present participles (i.e., “-ing” verbs), but they differ in function:
- Present participles function as adjectives and as part of progressive verbs.
- Gerunds are used strictly as nouns.
Sailing off the coast of Greece was the highlight of our vacation.
Frequently asked questions about present participles
- What is the “-ing” form of a verb?
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The verb form that ends in “-ing” is known as the present participle. Present participles are used in progressive verb tenses (e.g., “I am studying,” “she had been eating”) and as adjectives (e.g., “a tiring hike”).
The “-ing” form of a verb is also used in gerunds, but gerunds operate as nouns (e.g., “Skiing is dangerous”).
- What is the present participle of “be”?
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“Being” is the present participle of “be” (e.g., “They were being watched”). “Been” is the past participle.
- What is the present participle of “lie”?
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“Lying” is the present participle form of the verb “lie.”
Verbs with “-ie” endings typically drop the “ie” and take a “y” + “ing” ending in present participle form (e.g., “vie” becomes “vying,” and “die” becomes “dying”).
