CliffsNotes To Go Sweepstakes -- Enter Now to Win an iPod touch Loaded with Cliffs Study Apps

How hot is Levi Johnston?

Sizzlin'!
Not bad. I've seen better.
He's taking the quick fame thing way too far.

View Results

Perfect Participles

The perfect participle is formed by using the present participle of the appropriate helping verb ( avoir = ayant, être = étant) and then adding the past participle. The perfect participle shows that one action was completed before another action took place:

  • Ayant fini mon travail, je me suis détendue.

    Having finished my work, I relaxed.

  • Étant parti de bonne heure, il est arrivé à l'heure.

    Having left early, he arrived on time.

Cite this article

CliffsNotes® To Go
Literature reviews for the iPhone™ & iPod touch® help you study anywhere, anytime.
Learn more now!
Got a Question?
Cliff is in the know on lots of subjects.
Ask Cliff — His mailbox is open for business!