2.The Past Participle as Predicative (part of the compound nominal predicate)

In the function of a predicative the past participle denotes a state and is used after a link verb:

I was disappointed that we played so well yet still lost.

When he came out of the exam he felt shattered.

The neighbourhood looks neglected, despite the fine new houses and gardens which are springing up.

NOTE:

When used after “to be”, the past participle can be part of the compound nominal predicate or a structural element of the analytical form of the passive voice in the function of the simple verbal predicate.

When the past participle is used as a predicative, the emphasis is on the state, not action:

The work is finished. (The work is over.) - the past participle here is a predicative and the predicate ‘is finished’ is compound nominal

When the past participle is used as a structural element of the analytical form of the passive voice the emphasis is on the action and the sentence normally contains a by-object or adverbial modifiers:

The repairs were finished by the workers a week ago. – the past participle here is a structural element of the analytical form of the passive voice and the predicate ‘were finished’ is simple verbal

Exercise 21. Choose the correct form:

1.-Did you enjoy the horror film? –No, I was very frightened/frightening. 2.Vicky is good at art, isn’t she? – Yes. I was impressed/impressing when I saw her paintings. 3.Do you like windsurfing? – Yes, I feel really excited/exciting. 4.They were shocked/shocking when they heard the news. 5.We all felt worried/worrying when he didn’t come home. 6.After the walk we all feel relaxed/relaxing.

Exercise 22. Complete the sentences using the past participle as a predicative:

1.I felt utterly ... 2.He looked very ... 3.He was angry because his plan was ... 4.Why should you look so ...? 5.He is not … in learning foreign languages. 6.The headmaster didn’t sound …

3.The Past Participle as Part of the Compound Nominal Double Predicate

The past participle can be a part of the compound nominal double predicate. The compound nominal double predicate consists of two parts, both of which are notional. The first part is expressed by a notional verb denoting an action or process performed by the subject. The second part characterizes the subject in the same way as the predicative of the compound nominal predicate proper.

He stood overwhelmed. (He stood and he was overwhelmed.)

She died forgiven. (She died and she was forgiven.)

4.The Past Participle as Adverbial Modifier

The past participle can perform the function of adverbial modifiers of different kinds:

Adverbial Modifier of Time;

Adverbial Modifier of Reason;

Adverbial Modifier of Condition;

Adverbial Modifier of Concession;

Adverbial Modifier of Comparison.

4.1.The Past Participle as Adverbial Modifier of Time

He was always angry when disturbed after lunch. (He was always angry when he was disturbed after lunch.)

She will have no peace until promoted to senior manager. (She will have no peace until she is promoted to senior manager.)

Once opened, the contents should be consumed within three days.

He is silent when spoken to.

Exercise 23. Rewrite the sentences using the past participle as the adverbial modifier of time:

1.When she was hurt, she burst out crying. 2.Once the work is begun, it should be carried on. 3.When he was asked to help, he never refused. 4.The game will go on until it is stopped. 5.She will speak until she is interrupted. 6.When he is bothered, he can be rude.

Exercise 24. Complete the sentences using the past participle as the adverbial modifier of time:

1.He was always angry when ... 2.The children won't stop quarrelling until ... 3.He will go on reading the book until ... 4.He was always polite when ... 5.She couldn’t control her emotions when … 6.Leave the cake in the oven until …