What is a Present Participle?
A present participle is a verb form that typically ends in -ing and is used in several ways, including:
Forming Continuous Tenses: It helps create progressive verb tenses (e.g., "is running," "was eating").
As an Adjective: It can describe nouns (e.g., "a running stream," "a fascinating book").
In Participial Phrases: It can provide additional information about a noun in a sentence (e.g., "The dog, barking loudly, ran down the street").
The Word "Consisting"
The word "consisting" is the present participle of the verb "consist." Here’s how it functions:
1. Describing Composition
When used in a sentence like "The committee, consisting of specialists and government officers, will discuss the economy," the present participle "consisting" describes the composition of the committee. It tells us what the committee is made up of.
2. Forming Participial Phrases
In this context, "consisting of specialists and government officers" acts as a participial phrase that provides more information about the noun "committee." This structure allows for a more fluid and descriptive sentence.
Summary
Present Participle: A verb form ending in -ing that can function as an adjective or be part of continuous tenses.
"Consisting": The present participle of "consist," used to describe what something is made up of, often in a participial phrase.
Using present participles like "consisting" enhances sentence structure by adding detail and clarity about the subject being discussed.