Basic Details
Word: Participle
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A form of a verb that can function as an adjective or a part of a verb tense, typically ending in -ing (present participle) or -ed (past participle).
Synonyms: Verb form, adjective form
Antonyms: N/A
Idioms and Phrases
- Part of the furniture: Refers to someone or something that has become a familiar and integral part of a place or environment. Example: "After five years of living here, I feel like I'm part of the furniture."
- Parting shot: A final remark or gesture, often intended to be pointed or critical. Example: "Even after leaving the meeting, she had a parting shot that made everyone reconsider their opinions."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The running water in the stream sounds beautiful, demonstrating the use of the present participle 'running' as an adjective.
Example 2: The excited children raced to the playground, where 'excited' is used as a past participle to describe the children.
Example 3: The broken toy lay on the floor, showing how the past participle 'broken' can modify a noun.
Fun Fact
Did you know that participles are derived from Latin? The word 'participle' comes from the Latin word 'participium', meaning "sharing" or "taking part." This reflects how participles share characteristics of both verbs and adjectives.
Famous Quote
"To be or not to be, that is the question." - William Shakespeare. This quote illustrates how verbs, including participles, are essential for expressing action and state of being.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What is a participle?
a) A type of noun
b) A part of speech that acts as a verb or an adjective
c) A synonym for a verb
d) A type of adverb
Answer: b) A part of speech that acts as a verb or an adjective
2. Which of these is a synonym for "participle"?
a) Verb form
b) Noun
c) Pronoun
d) Adverb
Answer: a) Verb form
3. Which sentence uses the word "participle" correctly?
a) The blue sky is a participle.
b) The running dog chased the ball, with 'running' as a participle.
c) She read the book with participle.
d) He is a participle student.
Answer: b) The running dog chased the ball, with 'running' as a participle.
4. Which idiom means something integrated and essential?
a) Part of the furniture
b) Parting shot
c) All hands on deck
d) A penny for your thoughts
Answer: a) Part of the furniture
5. What is the opposite of "participle"?
a) Noun
b) Adverb
c) N/A
d) Adjective
Answer: c) N/A
