Hi, dear all.
I would be very much obliged to you if you explain what the grammar structure having done means and how we can use it?
I came across the phrase while I was reading a book. Here is the sentence.
“He invented a facile excuse, and having taken the vacant seat next her, looked round to see who was there”.
Thank you in advance.
Having done his homework, the teenager relaxed and listened to his favorite music.
Having said that, I want to introduce you to your new teacher.
It is a participial phrase that indicates completed action.
He did his homework.
I said that.
The above construction having + past participle, called the perfect participle (as Alan graciously corrects me) is used to show what happens first before something else happens.
“Having taken the town, the troops began looting the shops.”
First they took the town, then they started looting.
In the sentence from your book, first he sat down, then he looked around.
Having eaten…
Having worked…
Having slept…
etc.
Hi, Mordant and Beeesneees
Thank you very much for your clear and such detailed explanations. Now I got it.