2. Predicative

As a rule, it denotes a state of the subject and only Participle I Indefinite Active is used.

She was so happy, so enjoying herself.

It didn't sound promising, but she thanked the clerk all the same.

3. Adverbial modifier:

Participles, participle phrases as well as Absolute participle constructions can be used in this function.

Participles and participle phrases at the beginning of the sentence usually perform the function of an adverbial modifier. The position of adverbial modifiers expressed by participles and participle phrases is relatively free.

а) of time

To express the simultaneity or succession of the actions denoted by Participle I and the finite verb, Participle I Indefinite is used; the conjunctions when and while are often used to empathize the simultaneity.

Walking through the forest they noticed some broken trees.

While walking through the forest they noticed some broken trees.

Participle I of the verb ‘be’ is not used in this syntactic function and is replaced by the phrases of the type: When а child, When in London, or by the subordinate clause of time.

When in Rome, do as Romans do.

When a student, he studied law.

Participle I Perfect is used to denote an action prior to that denoted by the finite verb.

Having explained his situation to the Board he started waiting for their resolution.

Participle I Perfect of the verbs of sense perception and motion is not used in this syntactic function. Participle I Indefinite is used even when priority is meant.

Hearing the news he hurried to share it with us.

Boarding the plane she made herself comfortable and sighed with relief.

Entering the room she stood motionless for a while.

Note: Participles I Indefinite and Perfect of the verbs be, have, wish and know, as well as Participle I Perfect of the verbs of sense perception and motion denote the cause of the action and not the time when the action of the finite form is performed.

b) of cause

All the forms of Participle I can be used in this syntactic function.

He approached, looking first for the key which always hung there, but not seeing it, looked at the lock.

Having come earlier than he had expected he decided to use this time.

Being aware of the danger he took some steps.

Wishing to see her as soon as possible he hurried outside.

Knowing the facts, we could discuss the matter.

с) of manner and attendant circumstances

As а rule, Participle I Indefinite is used in this syntactic function. It usually indicates the manner of the action if the predicate is expressed by the verbs and phrases like spend, have a good time, enjoy oneself, etc.

Participle I Active is often used to describe the background of the action denoted by the predicate. In these cases it performs the syntactic function of the adverbial modifier of attendant circumstances and the participle phrase is, as a rule, separated by a comma.

She dressed by the light of the stars, taking the first things that came to hand.

He sat there smiling to show that he was pleased... (S. Maugham)

d) of comparison

The conjunctions as if or as though are used to introduce Participle I in this syntactic function.

He pronounced the words slowly, as if carefully selecting them.

e) of concession

The conjunction though is used to introduce the participle in this syntactic function.

Though meaning no harm he ruined the peaceful atmosphere with his words.

f) of result

Participle I shows the result of the action denoted by the predicate; the result is unintended. In this case, as a rule, the participle phrase is separated by a comma.