現在分詞的主要句法功能

(1) 作定語

現在分詞作定語通常可以轉化為定語從句，其中的現在分詞有時表示進行意義，有時不表示進行意義，視情況而定。如：

There were lots of people standing (=who were) watching, and not one of them offered to help. 當時有許多人站著觀看，但其中沒有一個人主動提供幫助。

A few days after the interview, I received a letter offering (=which offered) me the job. 面談后過了幾天，我收到一封給我工作的信。

(2) 作補語

現在分詞可用作賓語補語或主語補語，其中的現在分詞通常表示進行意義。如：

Don’t leave them standing on the doorstep—ask them in!  別讓他們在門口站著——叫他們進來。

You’ll find taxis waiting at the bus station which you can hire to reach your host family. 你會發現一些的士等候在車站，你可以打的去你主人家。

(3) 作原因狀語

現在分詞用作狀語表原因，通常位于句首，但有時也位于句中或句末。如：

Knowing that he wouldn’t be able to buy food on his journey he took large supplies with him. 他知道路上買不到食物，就帶了很多食物。

The teacher, not having heard the chimes, kept on teaching. 老師沒聽到下課鈴聲，仍繼續上課。

Linda broke off, realizing the importance of what she was about to say. 琳達意識到自己所說內容的重要性，所以不說了。

(4) 作時間狀語

現在分詞用作狀語表時間，通常位于句首，但有時也位于句中或句末。如：

Reading a book, he found a misprint. 他看書時，發現有一個地方印錯了。

Taking a key out of his pocket, he opened the door. 他從口袋里掏出鑰匙把門打開。

He went out shutting the door behind him. 他出去后將門隨手關上。

(5) 作條件狀語

現在分詞用作狀語表條件，通常位于句首，但有時也位于句中或句末。如：

Adding them all up, we can find the answer. 如果把它們加起來，我們就可以得到答案。

Sit down, Emma. You will only make yourself more tired, keeping on your feet. 坐下吧，埃瑪。你老站著，只會弄得你更累。

(6) 作結果狀語

現在分詞用作狀語表結果，通常位于句末。如：

The jet crashed soon after takeoff, killing all the passengers and crew. 那架噴氣式飛機起飛后不久就墜毀了，所有乘客和機組人員無一生還。

He died two and a half years later, leaving everything to his wife. 他于兩年半后去世，把所有遺產都留給了妻子。

(7) 作伴隨狀語

現在分詞用作狀語表伴隨，可位于句首、句中或句末。如：

Saying excuse me, pardon me, Seaton pushed his way into the crowded living room. 西頓一邊說對不起、借過，一邊擠過人群進入擁擠的客廳。

She read the letter through before sending it, checking for spelling mistakes. 她寄信前把信從頭至尾看了一遍，檢查一下看沒有拼寫錯誤。

Sit down, Emma. You will only make yourself more tired, keeping on your feet. 坐下吧，�，敗Ｄ憷险局�，只會弄得你更累。