Participle I as independent element (parenthesis)

§ 136. Participle I as parenthesis forms the headword of a participial phrase, the meaning of which is a comment upon the contents of the whole sentence or sometimes part of it. The comment may take the form of a logical restriction or personal attitude. Here we find such participial phrases as generally (properly, roughly, legally, strictly) speaking, putting it mildly, judging by (from), allowing for, taking everything into consideration, etc.

Judging from what you say, he ought to succeed.

Strictly speaking, this is illegal.

Predicative constructions with participle I

§ 137. Participle I may function as part of a predicative construction, entering into a predicative relationship with some nominal element and forming a syntactical unit with it.

The objective participial construction

The objective participial construction consists of a noun in the common case or a pronoun in the objective case and participle I forming a syntactical complex, the two main components of which are in predicative relationship. Since the construction always follows transitive verbs, its syntactical function is that of a complex object.* Thus in its meaning it corresponds to a subordinate clause and is usually translated into Russian by a subordinate object clause:

* For details see p. II Syntax. The Predicative Constructions (The Complex Object).

In many cases, however, the translation depends on the verb it reters to and on the requirements of the Russian usage.

The nominal element usually refers to a person or a thing different from that denoted by the subject of the sentence. If it refers to the same person as the subject, a reflexive pronoun is to be used, as in:

He heard himself uttering the words.

The construction is generally used with non-perfect participle I active, and occasionally it occurs with participle I passive:

I could see the books being taken away.

Some of the verbs followed by the objective participial construction occur also with the objective infinitive construction (such as to see, to watch, to hear, to feel). The difference between these two constructions concerns the meaning suggested by an infinitive or participle I; the former emphasizes the fact of an action being completed, the latter its processual character, as in:

If the homogeneous infinitives are used, they denote two actions in succession. If two participles I are homogeneous, they suggest two simultaneous actions.

The objective participial construction is used:

a) with verbs of sense perception,

b)with various verbs of causative meaning, or inducement.

c) occasionally with verbs expressing wish.

We saw (watched, heard, listened to) the train approaching the station.

Do you smell something burning?

I could feel the dog leaning against my feet.

We found him working in the garden.

I won’t have you smoking at your age!

They soon got (started) things going.

Don’t keep me waiting. I’m in a hurry.

Your words set me thinking.

Can you start (set) that engine going?

Sentences with the verbs of this group are usually translated into Russian by simple sentences.

c) to want, to like

I don’t want you talking back to me.

They didn’t like me leaving so early.

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