Read the following sentences:

• I heard a loud noise. I ran away.

We can combine these two sentences into a single sentence by using a present participle.

• Hearing a loud noise, I ran away.

This process of combining two or more sentences into a single sentence is called synthesis. There are several different ways of combining sentences.

By using a participle

This is possible only when the sentences have a common subject.

• I read the book. I returned it to the library.
• Having read the book I returned it to the library.

• The farmer jumped on his horse. He rode to the market.
• Jumping on his horse, the farmer rode to the market.

• Henry planted a rose. He was delighted to see it beginning to flower.
• Having planted a rose, Henry was delighted to see it beginning to flower.

Related posts:

1. The Participle