ing participle clause

-ing participle clause (-ing (partisipp)setning): a non-finite subordinate clause in which the verb is an -ing participle. -ing participle clauses can have adverbial function (Pacing round the lake, she calculated when the reply might arrive.-adjunct of time), adjectival function, as postmodifiers of nouns (He was a bus conductor relaxing on his rest day.), nominal function (Parking in front of the gate   is illegal. -subject), or they may be combined with the main clause in -ing co-ordination (see above).