These participle clause exercises help you transform simple sentences into elegant ones using the present, past, and perfect forms. Answers are given on this page. You can also download a PDF worksheet for free.
1. Exercise 1: multiple-choice questions
Choose the correct answers to complete each sentence.
1. _______ what to say, he remained silent.
Not knowing what to say, he remained silent.
2. _____, the dog fell asleep.
Having been fed, the dog fell asleep.
3. _____ with severe criticisms, the president stepped down.
Faced with severe criticisms, the president stepped down.
4. On _____ the tragic news, Maria burst into tears.
On hearing the tragic news, Maria burst into tears.
5. _____ the police, the thief ran away.
Spotting the police, the thief ran away.
6. _____ successfully defended his UFC Lightweight Championship three times, Khabib Nurmagomedov decided to retire.
Having successfully defended his UFC Lightweight Championship three times, Khabib Nurmagomedov decided to retire.
7. _____ by the performance, the audience gave a standing ovation.
Moved by the performance, the audience gave a standing ovation.
8. _____ in Rosario, Argentina, Lionel Messi moved to Barcelona at the age of 13.
Born in Rosario, Argentina, Lionel Messi moved to Barcelona at the age of 13.
9. _____ from wrestling to acting, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson became a top box office star.
Moving from wrestling to acting, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson became a top box office star.
10. _____ for his theory of relativity, Albert Einstein revolutionised modern physics.
Known for his theory of relativity, Albert Einstein revolutionised modern physics.
2. Exercise 2
Select the best answer to complete each participle clause.
1. ________ numerous challenges, Malala Yousafzai has become an advocate for girls’ education worldwide.
Having survived numerous challenges, Malala Yousafzai has become an advocate for girls’ education worldwide.
2. ________ from a wealthy family, he attended the most prestigious school in Switzerland.
Coming from a wealthy family, he attended the most prestigious school in Switzerland.
3. ________ the bus, I realised I had forgotten my computer.
While waiting for the bus, I realised I had forgotten my computer.
4. ________ the house, you should turn off the light.
Before leaving the house, you should turn off the light.
5. ________ at the time, she realised she was late.
Looking at the time, she realised she was late.
6. ________ the Nobel Prize in Physics, Albert Einstein became a global icon.
Having won the Nobel Prize in Physics, Albert Einstein became a global icon.
7. ________ in poverty, Oprah Winfrey worked hard to achieve success.
Growing up in poverty, Oprah Winfrey worked hard to achieve success.
8. ________ in South Africa, Nelson Mandela fought against apartheid.
Born in South Africa, Nelson Mandela fought against apartheid.
9. ________ from slavery, Harriet Tubman helped others escape to freedom.
Having escaped from slavery, Harriet Tubman helped others escape to freedom.
10. ________, the prisoner wrote a final letter to his family.
About to be executed, the prisoner wrote a final letter to his family.
3. Exercise 3
Rewrite the sentences using participle clauses.
1. When she finished her homework, she went out to play.
Having finished her homework, she went out to play.
2. While she was walking down the street, she met her childhood friend.
Walking down the street, she met her childhood friend.
3. After she had saved enough money, she bought a new car.
Having saved enough money, she bought a new car.
4. When he saw the police officer, he ran away.
Seeing the police officer, he ran away.
5. After he had been warned, he changed his behaviour.
Having been warned, he changed his behaviour.
6. While she was waiting for the bus, she listened to music.
While waiting for the bus, she listened to music.
7. Because she was tired, she went to bed early.
Feeling tired, she went to bed early.
8. When she saw the accident, she called the police.
Seeing the accident, she called the police.
9. Because she knew the answer, she raised her hand.
Knowing the answer, she raised her hand.
10. As the terrorist was about to kill the hostage, he was shot by a sniper.
About to kill the hostage, the terrorist was shot by a sniper.
3. Participle clause worksheet
This worksheet contains 12 multiple-choice questions in which you choose the correct participle clause to complete each sentence. Click the toggle arrow below to check your answers.
- 1. Having won the lottery, he bought a new car.
- 2. Having read the book, I confirm that it’s not good.
- 3. While waiting for the bus, I realised I had forgotten my phone.
- 4. Raised by a single mother, he managed to finish his studies.
- 5. Used correctly, this tool can save you a lot of time.
- 6. Coming from a wealthy family, she never worried about money.
- 7. Walking through the forest, she found the ring I lost many years ago.
- 8. Feeling tired, he went to bed early.
- 9. Instead of punishing him, you should teach him what is good and bad.
- 10. Angered by a Facebook comment, he filed a complaint.
- 11. A nearby grenade exploded, injuring 10 people.
- 12. While cooking dinner, he burned himself.
