Participle instead of a verb

Question

Teachers, please help me with this quesiton. I read that there are certain cases where you don't use a participle instead a verb, and this is an example: A verb that describes a single or sudden action - ex) There was a sudden bang that woke me up. (not waking me up)

another example: Do not use the active participle for a single action in the past - ex) The police want to interview people who saw the accident. (not seeing the accident)

I don't understand what the word 'single' means in these two examples. Single means one, right?

Thanks very much!!! I would appreciate any help.

Philip · Accepted Answer

I must admit to a bit of confusion here.  The examples given (with relative clauses) are correct and natural.  Could someone provide examples of 'non-single' actions?

Bamtori · Answer

Thanks for answering, Philips! Here's an example of using a participle instead of a verb and I hope it might help you: ex) A chemical company has gone bankupt. It employed 4000 people. => A chemical company employing 4000 people has gone bankrupt.

Participle instead of a verb

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