The present participle is also used as an adjective before a noun to describe the noun (walking shoes), as a noun (a grouping of selected plants) and in a nonfinite clause (Arriving too early at the railway station, he found a seat for a nap.)
Examples:
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We had to run as fast as we could in the pouring rain.
(The present participle pouring acts an adjective modifying the noun rain.)
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I have spent one hour, maybe more, looking for a parking space.
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Creatures from an alien planet were our leading topic of conversation.
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His failing eyesight makes it hard for him to recognize his own daughter.
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The crumbling monument to the former leader was pulled down.
Examples:
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Being the last train, it carried only one passenger and his dog.
(Being the last train is a participial phrase that acts as an adjective modifying the pronoun it.)
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Sam, arriving late, was told to apologize.
(Arriving late is a participial phrase acting as an adjective that modifies Sam.)
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The shadowy figure disappearing into the darkness was thought to be a ghost.
(Disappearing into the darkness is a participial phrase acting as an adjective that modifies the noun figure.)
Examples:
- I heard terrified screaming for help in my dream.
- The mother and daughter thoroughly enjoyed their three hours of duty-free shopping.
- We could hear the distant howling of a wolf.
- It was good timing to go to the cemetery to visit their parents’ graves at this time of the year.
- There was much loud cheering from their supporters.