What you'll learn
By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to use "having + past participle" (and its passive "having been + participle") in a range of contexts.
When do I use it?
"Having + past participle" expresses an action that is already complete before the main clause. It can express:
- Time: "Having checked in, we went to the lounge." (= after checking in)
- Reason: "Having no money, he walked home." (= because he had no money)
- Result: "She retired, having worked for 40 years."
The passive form "having been + past participle" is used when the subject receives the action:
- "Having been promoted, she celebrated." / "Having been told the news, he called."
How do I form it?
Having + past participle, + main clause Having been + past participle, + main clause
- Having reviewed the plan, the team agreed.
- Having heard the alarm, everyone evacuated.
- Having been warned, they left early.
- Having been rejected once, he tried again.
Common mistakes for Spanish speakers
The "having been + participle" passive is frequently built wrong: "having being told" or "having been tell". Remember: having been + past participle. Also, some speakers use "having" where a simple -ing works, making the text heavy: prefer "Arriving late, ..." over "Having arrived late, ..." when the sequence is obvious. And never drop the participle: "having finished" not "having finish".
having + participle (active) / having been + participle (passive). Both refer to a completed earlier action.
Practice
Multiple Choice
B2Which sentence is correct?
Fill in the Blank
B2Having promoted, she celebrated with her team.
Hint: Passive form: having been + past participle.
Find the Error
B2Multiple Choice
B2Which meaning does 'Having no money, he walked' express?
Practice Speaking
Apply what you've learned in a real conversation with AI feedback.
Level: B2