Present Participle
Present participles can be used as adjectives, as verbs, or like a qui
clause. When an adjective, it agrees with the noun it modifies.
When a verb, it is invariable. Preceded by en, (equivalent
to while, by, upon or in), it corresponds to the English -ing verb form.
Used without en, the present participle can act like a qui clause
and can also replace a causative cause. To form this participle, drops
the -ons ending of the nous form in the present tense and add -ant.
| avoir | ayant |
| être | étant |
| savoir | sachant |
| Est-ce que tu rêves en dormant ? | Do you dream while sleeping? |
| En ouvrant le frigo, j'ai trouvé quelque chose à manger. | By opening the fridge, I found something to eat. |
| N'ayant pas assez d'argent, il a volé le livre. | Not having enough money, he stole the book. |
| Elle a vu un corbeau tenant dans son bec un poisson. | She saw a crow holding a fish in his beak. |
This article was used with permission from:
Indo-European Languages