In the Lab (H3)
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EN: Present Participle Clause (Participle Construction): Used to describe two actions happening at the same time or in close succession, performed by the same subject. 'Mixing the two liquids' is shortened from 'When I mixed the two liquids'.
Walking down the street, I ran into an old friend.
EN: Noun-Noun Modifier (Noun Adjunct): A noun (color) is used to modify another noun (change) to describe the type of change. Here, 'color change' means a change in color.
The weather forecast predicted a sudden temperature drop.
EN: This sentence uses a Participle Clause (specifically a past participle clause 'Heated slowly') to express a condition or time. It is a shortened form of 'When it was heated slowly' or 'Because it was heated slowly'. The subject of the participle clause must be the same as the subject of the main clause ('the metal').
Left in the sun, the ice melted quickly.
EN: The verb 'begin' can be followed by either a to-infinitive ('to bend') or a gerund ('bending') with little to no change in meaning. Here, 'began to bend' describes the initiation of an action.
The baby began to cry.
EN: The perfect participle ('Having + past participle') is used to form a participle clause that expresses an action completed before the action in the main clause. It emphasizes the chronological order of events.
Having finished his homework, he went out to play.
EN: A participle clause (here, 'Having recorded the data') must share the same logical subject as the main clause ('we'). If the subjects were different, it would result in a dangling participle.
Having arrived at the station, she realized she had lost her ticket.
EN: In scientific and academic contexts, presenting findings chronologically using precise grammar (like participle clauses) is highly valued because it clearly outlines the experimental procedure step-by-step.
EN: Participle Clauses (Present Participle): 'Watching closely' is a participle clause used to describe an action happening at the same time as the main verb 'noticed'. It shares the same subject ('I') as the main clause.
Walking down the street, I met an old friend.
EN: Verbs of Perception with Bare Infinitive: The verb 'notice' can be followed by an object and a bare infinitive (verb without 'to') to indicate that the speaker observed the entire action from start to finish.
I heard the door close.
EN: This sentence uses a Participle Clause (specifically a past participle clause) to express a reason. 'Surprised by the result' is a shortened form of 'Because we were surprised by the result'. The subject of the participle clause must be the same as the subject of the main clause ('we').
Exhausted by the long walk, they fell asleep quickly.
EN: The phrasal verb 'run a test' means to conduct, perform, or execute a scientific experiment or procedure. 'Again' is an adverb used to indicate repetition.
The scientists decided to run the test again to confirm the findings.
EN: Present Participle Clauses (分詞短語): A present participle phrase (Verb-ing) can be used to describe an action that happens at the same time as the main verb, or to show the method/manner of the action. The implied subject of the participle must be the same as the subject of the main clause (in this case, 'she').
Using a map, we found the hidden cabin.
EN: Simple Past Tense (一般過去時): Used to describe completed actions that occurred at a specific time in the past. Here, 'studied' is the past form of 'study'.
He studied the stars every night last summer.
EN: This sentence uses a Participle Clause (specifically a past participle clause) to express a condition or cause. 'Left in the sun' is a shortened form of 'Because it was left in the sun' or 'When it was left in the sun'. The subject of the participle clause must be the same as the subject of the main clause ('the plant').
Kept in the fridge, the milk stays fresh for a week.
EN: The comparative adverb 'faster' is used to modify the verb 'grew', indicating a comparison of speed. Adverbs of one syllable usually form their comparative by adding '-er'.
He runs faster than his brother.
EN: A participle clause (here, 'Not knowing the cause') is used to express a reason, condition, or time relation. It shares the same subject as the main clause ('we'). To make a participle clause negative, place 'not' directly before the participle.
Not wanting to wake the baby, she walked on tiptoe.
EN: The verb 'keep' followed by a gerund (V-ing) is used to describe an action that continues or is repeated. In this sentence, 'kept asking' indicates that the action of asking happened repeatedly over a period of time.
He kept trying to solve the puzzle until he succeeded.
EN: Participle Clauses (Present Participle): A present participle clause (verb-ing) can be used to express the method, reason, or time of the main action when both actions share the same subject. Here, 'Measuring' describes how or while 'we' avoided mistakes.
Working hard, she finished the project ahead of schedule.
EN: Adverbs modifying participles: Adverbs of manner (like 'carefully') are placed after the participle ('Measuring') to describe how the action of the participle is performed.
Listening intently, the students took detailed notes.
EN: This sentence uses a past participle clause ('Excited by...') acting as an adverbial clause of reason. It is a reduced clause where 'Because we were excited by...' is shortened. The subject of the participle clause must be the same as the subject of the main clause ('we').
Frightened by the loud noise, the dog hid under the bed.
EN: The verb 'tell' is a ditransitive verb, but here it is used with a direct object ('our teacher') representing the person told, which is common when the information shared is implied or has been previously mentioned.
She smiled and told her mother.
EN: Participle Clauses (分詞子句): A past participle clause (e.g., 'Cooled down') can be used to express a condition, cause, or time relation. It is a shortened form of a passive adverbial clause (e.g., 'When it was cooled down'). The implied subject of the participle clause must be the same as the subject of the main clause ('the gas').
Left in the sun, the ice melted quickly.
EN: Phrasal Verb 'turn into' (動詞片語 'turn into'): This phrasal verb means to change or become something else. It is followed by a noun representing the result of the transformation.
With enough heat, water turns into steam.
EN: Participle clauses (specifically using the present participle '-ing') can be used to express the method, reason, or time of the main action. Here, 'Working together' functions as an adverbial clause of manner or means, showing how the main action was accomplished. It shares the same subject ('we') as the main clause.
Using a map, we found the hidden cabin.
EN: The Simple Past Tense is used to describe completed actions in the past. In this sentence, 'finished' indicates that the action of completing the report occurred and was completed at a specific time in the past.
They completed the project yesterday.
EN: In professional and academic settings in English-speaking cultures, emphasizing collaboration ('working together') is highly valued. Using active verbs to describe group achievements (like 'we finished') rather than passive structures is preferred to show ownership and teamwork.
EN: Present Participle Clause (Participle Construction): Used to express two actions happening at the same time or in quick succession, where the subject of both actions is the same. 'Entering the lab' is shortened from 'When I entered the lab'.
Walking down the street, I ran into an old friend.
EN: Adjective Phrase 'ready for': Used to describe a state of preparedness for a noun or activity. It often follows linking verbs like 'feel' or 'be'.
The team felt ready for the upcoming challenge.
EN: A participle clause (using a present participle '-ing') can be used to describe an action that happens at the same time as, or immediately before, the action in the main clause. The subject of both clauses must be the same (in this case, 'I').
Opening the door, she welcomed the guests with a warm smile.
EN: The prepositional phrase 'with care' functions as an adverbial of manner, meaning 'carefully'. It is used to describe how an action is performed.
Please handle this fragile box with care.
EN: In science education and professional laboratory settings in English-speaking countries, safety protocols (like wearing goggles and gloves) are highly emphasized and strictly enforced. Describing these preparation steps is a standard part of writing lab reports and explaining scientific procedures.
EN: Participle Clauses for Simultaneous Actions: A present participle phrase (Verb-ing) can be used to describe an action that happens at the same time as the action in the main clause. The subject of both actions must be the same (in this case, 'I'). It functions as a shortened adverbial clause (e.g., 'While I was mixing...').
Walking down the street, I met an old friend.
EN: Watch for: This phrasal verb means to pay attention to one's surroundings in order to notice a particular thing or event. It is often followed by a noun phrase indicating what you are expecting to see or happen.
We stood by the window, watching for the postman to arrive.
EN: Participle Clauses (分詞子句): Used to reduce an adverbial clause when the subject of both clauses is the same. Here, 'Surprised by...' is a past participle clause functioning as 'Because I was surprised by...'. The past participle ('surprised') is used because the subject ('I') receives the action or is in that state.
Exhausted by the long walk, she fell asleep immediately.
EN: Phrasal Verb 'write down' (動詞片語 'write down'): A transitive phrasal verb meaning to record something on paper. When the object is a pronoun (like 'it'), it must be placed between the verb ('write') and the particle ('down').
If you hear a good idea, please write it down.
EN: Participle Clause (Past Participle): The sentence starts with a past participle clause ('Heated gently') which functions as an adverbial clause of time or condition. It is a shortened form of 'When it was heated gently'. The past participle is used because the subject of the main clause ('the liquid') receives the action of heating (passive voice).
Left in the sun, the ice melted quickly.
EN: Infinitives as Verb Objects (start + to-infinitive): The verb 'start' can be followed by a to-infinitive ('to bubble and steam') or a gerund ('bubbling and steaming') with little to no change in meaning. Here, 'to bubble' and '(to) steam' are coordinate infinitives sharing the particle 'to'.
She started to read and write at a very young age.
EN: In scientific English, passive constructions and participle clauses (like 'Heated gently...') are very common. They help to maintain an objective, impersonal tone by focusing on the process and the materials rather than the person performing the experiment.
EN: Perfect Participle Clause ('Having + past participle'): Used to show that one action was completed before another action in the main clause. It functions as an adverbial clause of time or reason, sharing the same subject as the main clause.
Having finished his homework, Leo went out to play basketball.
EN: Simple Past Tense: Used to describe completed actions in the past. Here, 'recorded' indicates a past action that occurred after the observation.
We designed a new website last month.
EN: A participle clause (or adverbial participle clause) is used to express reason, time, or condition, sharing the same subject as the main clause. To make a participle clause negative, we place 'not' directly before the participle (present participle 'V-ing' or past participle 'V-ed'). Here, 'Not wanting...' is short for 'Because we did not want...'.
Not knowing the answer, she remained silent.
EN: The adverb 'twice' means 'two times' and is used to indicate frequency. It is placed after the verb and its object ('repeated the test twice') to show how many times the action was performed.
I checked the calculations twice to ensure accuracy.
EN: Participle clauses (using a present participle like 'Using') can be used to express the method, means, or time of an action. It functions as an adverbial modifier, sharing the same subject as the main clause ('we').
Using a map, we found the hidden cabin in the woods.
EN: An indirect question (noun clause) introduced by 'how long' functions as the direct object of the verb 'measured'. The word order in the noun clause remains subject + verb ('the reaction took').
She asked how long the flight would be.
EN: Participle Clause (Past Participle): A past participle clause can be used to express a reason or condition, functioning as an adverbial modifier. It has a passive meaning and shares the same subject as the main clause ('we'). It is a shortened form of 'Because we were encouraged by...'.
Motivated by his speech, the students started to study harder.
EN: Adjective Phrase with Preposition (proud of): The adjective 'proud' is commonly followed by the preposition 'of' to indicate the source or cause of pride.
She was proud of her daughter's achievements.
EN: Participle Clauses (分詞短語): A present participle ('Comparing...') can be used to reduce an adverbial clause (e.g., 'When we compared...') when the subject of both clauses is the same ('we'). This makes the sentence more concise and is common in formal or written English.
Entering the lab, she put on her safety goggles.
EN: Adverbial Phrase 'at last' (副詞片語 'at last'): This phrase is used to emphasize that something has happened after a long time, difficulty, or delay. It is synonymous with 'finally' or 'in the end'.
After hours of searching, we found the missing key at last.
EN: Present Participle Phrase (分詞短語): The sentence starts with 'Working as a team', which is a present participle phrase acting as an adverbial modifier. It shares the same subject ('we') as the main clause and describes the circumstances or manner in which the main action occurred.
Studying late into the night, she finally finished the project.
EN: Turn A into B (將 A 轉化為 B): This phrasal verb pattern means to transform or change something from one state, form, or substance into another.
They turned the old warehouse into a modern art gallery.
EN: In Western scientific and educational contexts, there is a strong cultural emphasis on collaboration and 'teamwork' rather than just individual achievement. The phrase 'turned curiosity into discovery' also reflects the value placed on inquiry-based learning, where asking questions (curiosity) is seen as the essential starting point for real scientific progress.
EN: The participle phrase 'Looking back' functions as an adverbial modifier, expressing a perspective or condition. It is a shortened form of 'When I look back'.
Looking back, I realize how much I have grown.
EN: The causative verb 'make' is followed by an object and a bare infinitive (verb in base form) to express causing something to happen or change state. In 'make science come alive', 'come' is the bare infinitive.
The funny movie made everyone laugh.
EN: The idiom 'come alive' is commonly used in English to describe a subject or activity becoming exciting, interesting, or highly active, rather than boring or theoretical. It highlights the transformative power of good teaching.
EN: Wh-questions in the simple past tense use the auxiliary verb 'did' followed by the subject and the base form of the main verb (infinitive without 'to'). The structure is: Wh-word + did + subject + base verb.
How did you find the answer?
EN: Vocative comma: When addressing a person directly by name (Emma) at the end of a sentence, a comma must be placed immediately before the name to set it off from the rest of the sentence.
Where are you going, Tom?
EN: In English-speaking academic and professional environments, colleagues and students often address each other directly by their first names (like 'Emma') to foster a friendly, collaborative, and egalitarian atmosphere.
EN: Present Participle Clauses (Participle Phrases) are used to reduce adverbial clauses when the subject of both clauses is the same. 'Putting on...' is a shortened form of 'After I put on...' or 'While I was putting on...'. It describes an action that happens just before or at the same time as the main action.
Opening the drawer, he took out a notebook.
EN: The phrasal verb 'put on' means to dress oneself in something or to place something on one's body (like gloves, clothes, or glasses). It is a separable phrasal verb, meaning the object can go between 'put' and 'on' if it is not a pronoun, though it commonly stays after 'on'.
She put on her coat before going outside.
EN: In chemistry and biology laboratory settings, safety protocols are strictly emphasized. 'Putting on gloves' is the standard first step of personal protective equipment (PPE) before handling any chemical or biological 'samples' to prevent contamination and ensure safety.
EN: Participle Clauses (Present Participle): A present participle clause (Verb-ing) can be used to describe two actions happening at the same time, or one action happening immediately after another, when both actions share the same subject. Here, 'Mixing the liquids' is short for 'When I was mixing the liquids'.
Walking down the street, I met an old friend.
EN: Sensory Verbs: Verbs of perception (like 'see', 'hear', 'watch', 'notice') can be followed by an object and a bare infinitive (verb root) or a present participle (verb-ing). In this sentence, 'saw' is followed by the object 'small bubbles' and the bare infinitive 'form' is implied or omitted, focusing on the completed observation of the bubbles.
I saw the birds fly away.
EN: This sentence uses a Participle Clause (specifically a past participle clause) to express a reason or cause. 'Surprised by the smell' is a shortened version of 'Because I was surprised by the smell'. The subject of the participle clause must be the same as the subject of the main clause ('I').
Exhausted by the long walk, she fell asleep immediately.
EN: The phrasal verb 'step back' means to move backward, away from something. The adverb 'quickly' modifies the verb 'stepped' to describe the speed of the action.
He stepped back to let the ambulance pass.
EN: The Perfect Participle ('Having' + past participle) is used to indicate that the action in the participle clause was completed before the action in the main clause. It functions as an adverbial clause of time or reason, sharing the same subject as the main clause.
Having finished his homework, Leo went to bed.
EN: The simple past tense ('began') is used to describe a completed action that occurred at a specific time in the past.
We began the meeting at nine o'clock.
EN: This sentence begins with a present participle phrase ('Watching closely'), which functions as a participle clause. It expresses an action happening at the same time as the main verb ('recorded'). The implied subject of the participle is the same as the subject of the main clause ('we').
Walking down the street, I ran into an old friend.
EN: The determiner 'each' is used before a singular countable noun ('change') to refer to all members of a group, considering them individually.
Each student received a certificate.
EN: In scientific contexts and academic writing, precision and objective observation are highly valued. Using participle clauses like 'Watching closely' allows the writer to connect actions logically and concisely, which is a common stylistic feature in lab reports and scientific descriptions.
EN: This sentence uses a participle clause (specifically a present participle clause: 'Not knowing the answer') to express a reason. It is a shortened form of 'Because we did not know the answer'. To form a negative participle clause, place 'not' directly before the participle.
Not having enough money, he decided to stay at home.
EN: The main clause uses the simple past tense ('asked') to describe a completed action in the past. The subject of both the participle clause and the main clause must be the same ('we').
Feeling tired, she went to bed early.
EN: Participle clauses (using a present participle like 'Using') are used to express method, time, or reason. They share the same subject as the main clause (in this case, 'we').
Using a map, they found the hidden cabin.
EN: The simple past tense ('made') is used to describe completed actions in the past.
She made a delicious cake for the party.
EN: This sentence uses a present participle phrase ('Working together') acting as an adverbial clause of manner or means. It describes how the main action ('solved') was accomplished. The implied subject of the participle is the same as the subject of the main clause ('we').
Using a map, we found the hidden cabin.
EN: The simple past tense ('solved') is used to describe a completed action that occurred at a specific time in the past.
They completed the project yesterday.
EN: This sentence uses a Participle Clause (specifically a past participle clause) to express a condition or circumstance. 'Described step by step' is a shortened form of 'When it is described step by step'. The past participle 'Described' is used because the subject 'science' receives the action of being described (passive voice).
Seen from a distance, the island looks like a sleeping giant.
EN: The verb 'feel' is used here as a linking verb (copular verb) meaning 'to seem' or 'to produce a particular sensation'. It is followed directly by an adjective ('clear') acting as a subject complement, rather than an adverb.
After a long day of work, the bed feels comfortable.
Key vocabulary words with IPA pronunciation, definitions, example sentences, and interactive quizzes.
Phrases with type tags, bilingual definitions, usage notes, and example sentences.
To become interesting, exciting, or full of energy
To move backward away from something, especially out of surprise or to avoid danger
Progressing gradually from one stage to the next in a sequence
A visible alteration in color, often indicating a chemical reaction has occurred