Using the present participle
The present participle always ends in ‘-ing’. To form a finite
verb, introduce it by using the auxilary verb ‘to be’. The past
or present tense of this verb is used and the finite verb
becomes thepresent progressiveorpast progressivetense.
Remember that a finite verb can consist of more than one
word.
Ianis helping his mother. (present progressive tense)
Iam writing a letter. (present progressive tense)
Juliewas doing her homework. (past progressive tense)
Theywere watching the cricket. (past progressive tense)Recognising the gerund
The present participle can also be used as a noun and in this
case it is called agerund:
Shopping is fun.
Thewailing was continuous.Using the past participle
The past participle is used with the auxiliary verb ‘to have’; it
then forms a finite verb. Either the present or the past tense
of the verb ‘to have’ can be used. It will depend on the
context. Look at the following examples. The past participles
are underlined.
She hadscratched her arm.
He hadpassed his examination.DISCOVERING GRAMMAR / 13