Term: Participles

There are two participles in English: the present participle and the past participle. They can both be used as adjectives

The present participle is formed by adding -ing to the base form of a verb. It is used in:

i) Continuous or Progressive verb forms - I'm leaving in five minutes.

ii) As an adjective: A dying man

The past participle is formed by adding -ed to the base form, unless it is an irregular verb. It is used:

i) As an adjective - A tired group

ii) With the auxiliary verb 'have' to form the perfect aspect - They've just arrived.

iii) with the verb 'be' to form the passive - He was robbed a couple of days ago.