Adverbial compression: -ing for simultaneous (Walking home, I...), having done for earlier, done for passive; the dangling trap
I can compress adverbial clauses into participle phrases without dangling them.
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
Having tasted all twelve jams, the judges took a long, thoughtful tea break.
Having tasted all twelve jams, the judges took a long, thoughtful tea break.
Read aloud, the contract sounds even worse than it looks.
Read aloud, the contract sounds even worse than it looks.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
Three compressors:
| Form | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| -ing | while/because | Walking home, I found a wallet. |
| having done | after/because earlier | Having signed, she left. |
| done | passive | Seen from above, the maze is simple. |
The iron rule: the implied subject = the main clause subject. Break it and you dangle: *Walking home, the wallet was found (the wallet wasn't walking). With its own subject it's absolute: Weather permitting, we'll sail.
Apply this grammar in C1 course exercises
Practice ExercisesSubject mismatch
Implied subject = main clause subject
-ing for earlier action
Earlier → having done
Having tasted all twelve jams, the judges took a long, thoughtful tea break.
Having tasted all twelve jams, the judges took a long, thoughtful tea break.
having done: the earlier action compressed.
Read aloud, the contract sounds even worse than it looks.
Read aloud, the contract sounds even worse than it looks.
Passive participle clause fronted.
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Practice in course
Apply this grammar in C1 course exercises