分词或分词短语作状语，指的是直接将分词或分词短语放在句首、句中或句末作状语。需要注意的是，分词短语的逻辑主语必须要与句子的主语一致。
一、过去分词(短语)作状语时，其逻辑主语通常就是句子的主语。过去分词(短语)作状语一般都用逗号同其它成分隔开。
1. 作时间状语时，可转换为when或while等引导的从句，通常放在句首。如：
Seen from the top of the hill (= When it is seen from the top of the hill), the school looks like a big garden.
2. 作条件状语时，可转换为once, if或unless等引导的从句，一般放在句首。如：
Given more attention (= If it was given more attention), the fire could have been avoided.
3. 作原因状语时，可转换为because, as或since等引导的从句，多放在句首。如：
Encouraged (= As she was encouraged) by the teacher, the girl was very happy.
4. 作让步状语时，可转换为though, although 或even if引导的从句，常放在句首。如：
Left (= Although she was left) alone at home, Jenny didn’t feel afraid at all.
5. 作方式或伴随状语时，常可转换为并列分句，可位于句首或句末。如：
Surrounded by his students, the teacher went into the lab. (= The teacher was surrounded by his students and he went into the lab.)
6. 过去分词(短语)作状语时，有时为了强调，前面可带连词when, while, if, though, as if, unless等。如：
When given a physical examination, you should keep calm.
二、现在分词与过去分词作状语的区别
现在分词作状语与过去分词作状语的最主要区别就在于两者与所修饰的主语在逻辑上是主动还是被动关系。
1. 现在分词作状语时，现在分词表示的动作与主语之间在逻辑上是主动关系。如：
Not knowing what to do, he asked his good friend for help.
2. 过去分词作状语时，主语是过去分词动作的承受者，它们之间是被动关系。如：
Given more attention, the flowers could have grown better.
