Dictionary of English - participles

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English verbs have two types of participle: the present participle and the past participle. The present participle ends in -ing. It is used in forming the continuous or progressive tenses of a verb: He's sleeping; She was combing her hair. Many present participles can be used as adjectives: a sleeping baby. Some such adjectives can be used as plural nouns: the living and the dead. The present participle can also be used as a noun denoting the action of a verb (see gerund) and as a noun denoting a result of the action of the verb: She showed me her paintings.

The past participle usually ends in -ed, although some verbs have special past participial forms e.g. chosen; gone; slept; swum. It is used in forming the perfect tenses of a verb: They've disappeared; I hadn't meant to do it. It is also used to form the passive: He can't be blamed for it. Many past participles can be used as adjectives: I was surprised to hear the news; She had a surprised look on her face. Some such adjectives can be used as nouns: Advise the accused of his rights.

Red stands for strength. White symbolizes faithfulness. Green represents hope. Effective date: 1 October 1957. >>