Understanding the Correct Participle
In the sentence "The thief, thinking/ having thought no one was around, tried to break the lock," the correct participle is thinking. Below are the reasons why this choice is appropriate.
Meaning of "Thinking"
- Immediate Action: "Thinking" suggests that the thief is currently in the act of considering whether anyone is around. It implies that this thought process is happening at the moment he is attempting to break the lock.
- Contextual Relevance: The participle "thinking" provides a sense of urgency and immediacy, which fits the scenario of a thief trying to act discreetly.
Meaning of "Having Thought"
- Completed Action: "Having thought" indicates that the action of thinking has already been completed before the thief attempts to break the lock. This makes the sequence less immediate and removes the sense of ongoing deliberation.
- Less Engaging: Using "having thought" can make the sentence feel more detached and less engaging, as it suggests the thought process is in the past rather than occurring during the action.
Conclusion
In summary, the correct choice is thinking, as it effectively conveys the ongoing consideration of the thief about the presence of others around him. This enhances the suspense and immediacy of the narrative.