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.
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Three exceptions: |
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avoir |
ayant |
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être |
étant |
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savoir |
sachant |
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Est-ce que tu rêves en dormant? |
Do you dream while sleeping? |
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En ouvrant le frigo, j'ai trouvé quelque chose à manger. |
By opening the fridge, I found something to eat. |
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N'ayant pas assez d'argent, il a volé le livre. |
Not having enough money, he stole the book. |
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Elle a vu un corbeau tenant dans son bec un poisson. |
She saw a crow holding a fish in his beak. |
