-ing Clauses (He hurt his knee playing football.)
Using -ing clauses for simultaneous actions, sequencing with having done, and giving reasons
Two Things Happening at the Same Time
When two actions happen at the same time, you can combine them into one sentence using an -ing clause instead of writing two separate sentences.
- The manager walked into the meeting carrying a stack of reports. (= She walked in. She was carrying reports.)
- Don’t just sit there doing nothing — help me set up the room!
- He left the office talking on the phone.
This also works when one action happens during another:
- She hurt her back lifting boxes at the warehouse. (= while she was lifting boxes)
- Did you burn yourself making coffee? (= while you were making coffee)
You can make the timing more explicit with while or when:
| Without while/when | With while/when |
|---|---|
| She hurt her back lifting boxes. | She hurt her back while lifting boxes. |
| Be careful using the paper cutter. | Be careful when using the paper cutter. |
Sequencing: Having Done Something
When one action finishes before the next one starts, use having + past participle for the first action.
- *Having reviewed the contract, we sent it to the client.* (= We reviewed it first, then sent it.)
- *Having finished the quarterly report, she finally took her lunch break.*
You can also use after + -ing for the same meaning:
- *After reviewing the contract, we sent it to the client.*
- *After finishing the quarterly report, she finally took her lunch break.*
These structures appear more often in written English (emails, reports, formal documents) than in everyday conversation. Always place a comma after the -ing clause when it starts the sentence:
Having completed the training, the new hires joined their teams. ✓
Giving a Reason
An -ing clause at the start of a sentence can explain why something happens. It works like “because.”
- *Feeling unwell, he left the meeting early.* (= because he felt unwell)
- *Being short-staffed this week, we can’t take on new orders.* (= because we are short-staffed)
- *Not having a company laptop, she had to work from the office.* (= because she didn’t have a laptop)
For a completed action that causes something later, use having + past participle:
- *Having worked at the company for 20 years, she knew every department inside out.* (= because she had worked there for 20 years)
- *Having already missed two deadlines, the team couldn’t afford any more delays.* (= because they had already missed two deadlines)
Again, these are more common in writing than in speech, and they always take a comma after the -ing clause.
Summary of the Three Uses
| Use | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Simultaneous actions | verb + -ing | He walked in smiling. |
| Sequencing (first, then) | Having + past participle, … | *Having checked the figures, I sent the invoice.* |
| Giving a reason | -ing clause, … | *Being the team lead, she made the final call.* |
Quick Self-Check
Lisa left the building _____ goodbye to everyone at the front desk.
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_____ all the interviews, the hiring panel made their decision.
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_____ enough experience, he wasn't considered for the promotion.
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She cut her finger _____ vegetables for the team lunch.
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_____ the new software, we updated all the client records.
Select your answer: