When it comes to English grammar, many learners feel overwhelmed by the complexity of its rules. However, mastering these rules is a powerful way to use the language effectively and flexibly. One advanced grammar topic that should not be overlooked is the Perfect Participle.
This structure frequently appears in classroom learning, grammar tests, and especially in IELTS writing and speaking exams. In this article, IDP will guide you through what the perfect participle is, how it is formed, and how to use it properly.
1. What Is a Perfect Participle?
The perfect participle is a verb form used to describe an action that was completed before another action in the same sentence. It is often used in perfect participle clauses to make sentences shorter and more concise.
Perfect participle formula: having + past participle (V3 / -ed)
Example:
Having finished his coffee, he swilled out the mug and left it on the draining board. → The phrase having finished shows that the coffee was completed before the following actions.
2. Perfect Participle Structures
Depending on the meaning and voice of the sentence, the perfect participle can appear in two forms: active and passive.
Active Perfect Participle
Used when the subject performs the action.
Structure: having + past participle (V3 / -ed)
Examples:
Having finished my homework, I went to bed.
Having lost her keys, she had to borrow a spare one from her neighbor.
Passive Perfect Participle
Used when the subject receives the action or when the doer of the action is not mentioned.
Structure: having been + past participle (V3 / -ed)
Examples:
The report, having been written by the CEO, was sent to the board of directors.
The car, having been repaired, was ready to be driven.
3. Position of the Perfect Participle in a Sentence
Perfect participles can appear in different positions, depending on sentence structure and intention.
At the Beginning of a Sentence
Structure: Having + V3/-ed, S + V...
Example: Having gone a long time without scoring, he was relieved to find the net again.
After the Subject
Structure: S, having + V3/-ed, V...
Example: We, having studied for weeks, felt confident about the exam.
After the Main Clause
Structure: S + V, having + V3/-ed...
Example: She spoke confidently, having prepared thoroughly for the presentation.
4. How to Use Perfect Participle in English
Common uses of the perfect participle include:
Usage | Example |
|---|---|
To show one action happened before another | The student, having studied abroad, shared fascinating stories. |
To reduce a relative clause | The person, having won the award, gave an inspiring speech. |
To indicate cause or reason | Having missed the bus, he had to walk to work. |
Note: The subject of the perfect participle clause and the subject of the main clause must be the same.
You may also use "After" at the beginning of the clause, though it is not always necessary.
Example: After having heard the weather forecast, his family decided to cancel the event.
5. Difference Between Perfect Participle and Perfect Gerund
Although both share a similar structure, the perfect participle and the perfect gerund serve different grammatical purposes.
Feature | Perfect Gerund | Perfect Participle |
|---|---|---|
Role | Subject or object in a sentence | Part of a participle clause |
Usage | To refer to a completed action in the past | To shorten clauses or show reasons |
Position | Before a verb or preposition | Beginning or after a clause |
Example | Having finished homework on time made Louis feel accomplished. | Having finished homework on time, Louis went out to play. |
6. Perfect Participle Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Rewrite the following sentences using the perfect participle. Use passive or negative forms where appropriate.
The students read the book before they wrote a review. → Having read the book, the students wrote a review.
Tom asked his father’s permission and then went out to play. → Having asked his father's permission, Tom went out to play.
The police officer stopped the car and asked for documents. → Having stopped the car, the officer asked for the documents.
The injured lady was rescued and taken to the hospital. → Having been rescued, the injured lady was taken to the hospital.
He had been to the party and overslept the next morning. → Having been to the party, he overslept in the morning.
They lived in Australia for 10 years and spoke fluent English. → Having lived in Australia for 10 years, they spoke fluent English.
We hadn’t talked to them for years, so we didn’t recognize them. → Not having talked to them for years, we didn’t recognize them.
The letter was typed by the secretary and signed by the manager. → Having been typed by the secretary, the letter was signed by the manager.
Exercise 2: Fill in the correct form of the verbs in parentheses.
__________ (discover) during the expedition, the artifact amazed everyone. → Having been discovered
__________ (complete) the project early, the team celebrated. → Having completed
The team, __________ (train) extensively, was ready for the game. → Having been trained
The book, __________ (write) by a best-selling author, became a hit. → Having been written
__________ (overcome) many challenges, she felt proud. → Having overcome
__________ (decorate) for Christmas, the room looked festive. → Having been decorated
The house, __________ (design) by an Italian architect, won an award. → Having been designed
__________ (master) the skill, he became a top negotiator. → Having mastered
The man, __________ (conquer) his fear, climbed the mountain. → Having conquered
__________ (innovate) constantly, the company led the industry. → Having been innovated
Master Perfect Participle with IDP IELTS
Perfect participles play a key role in expressing time, cause, and logic between actions. When used correctly, they enhance clarity and flow in writing. Mastery of this structure will boost your performance in the IELTS test and beyond.
Along with self-study using free IDP materials, you can also register for IELTS mock tests at IDP to get familiar with the test format and time management strategies. If you do not achieve your desired score on the first try, you can opt for the IELTS One Skill Retake to improve one specific skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking).
Register for your IELTS test with IDP today and take your English to the next level.