Present Participle is a word derived from a verb that ends in 'ing' and used as an adjective. It is used as:
1. Verbs in continous.
I am studying English.
He is waiting for his mother.
They were strolling along the beach.
2. Noun modifier
The noun modified actively does something.
Compare the two different 'ing' forms below.
Gerund Present Participle
Used as anoun Used as adjective
With hypen Without hypen
The first word stressed Both stressed
The noun passively does something The noun modified actively does something
Meaning : profession, something used for...
'dining-room 'crying 'child
'dining-table 'singing 'bird
'waiting-room 'shining 'sun
Etc.
3. Used after verbs of sensation: see, hear, watch, feel, notice, listen to, observe, look at (+ present participle and V1)
You can hear the children playing = you can hear the children play.
I saw her crossing the street = I saw her cross the street.
I watch Mr.George painting his house = I watch Mr. George paint his house
Compare:
a. I saw her dance. ( I saw the complete action from beginning to end ).
b. I saw her dancing. ( I saw her when she was in the middle of something ).
The other verbs followed by present participle ONLY are catch, find, keep, leave, smell WITHOUT V1.
The boss keeps everyone working very hard.
Can you smell something burning.
She found him reading her letters.
He will catch all of your throwing chalk.
Etc.
4. Used as active participle phrase/adjective phrase.
- The boy is my friend. He is wearing a red jacket.
The boy who is wearing a red jacket is my friend.
The boy wearing a red jacket is my friend. (active participle phrase/adj. Phrase)
- The girl is her sister. She is sweeping the yard.
The girl who is sweeping the yard is his sister.
The girl sweeping the yard is his sister. (active participle phrase/adj. Phrase)
