Literary notes about having (AI summary)
The word “having” functions as a versatile participial complement in literature, often indicating a completed action or condition that informs what follows. It is used to introduce subordinate clauses that provide background information or explain the reason behind the main action, as seen when a priest is congratulated on having received the sacrament [1] or when a character has uttered specific words preceding a decisive act [2, 3]. In other examples, “having” conveys states or conditions that qualify subsequent events, such as a person having lost their color [4] or a kingdom easily conquering its foes because the invaders have command of the sea [5]. Authors employ “having” both to maintain narrative flow and to succinctly link actions with their antecedent causes, enriching the text with depth while economizing on language [6, 7].
- The chanting of the service ceased, and the voice of the priest was heard respectfully congratulating the dying man on having received the sacrament.
— from War and Peace by graf Leo Tolstoy - And having uttered these words he throws the stone from his hand.
— from The Histories of Polybius, Vol. 1 (of 2) by Polybius - Having said this she went up to the doctor.
— from War and Peace by graf Leo Tolstoy - Agni became pale, having lost his colour, and he could not shine as before.
— from The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1 - The two kingdoms were easily and quickly conquered, the invaders having command of the sea and the favor of the population.
— from The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660-1783 by A. T. Mahan - Having changed the dead so that they looked like living creatures, he returned to the Lotus Cave.
— from Myths and Legends of China by E. T. C. Werner - The whole labour of the defence fell upon Pepys, but having made out his case with great skill, he was rewarded by a most unexpected success.
— from The Diary of Samuel Pepys — Complete by Samuel Pepys
