[john kenter]

Hi, guys. I'd like to ask you a question related to usage of having+past participle, particularly two sentences I have found in a British publication.

The first one is " Having come tantalisingly close to taking off, Brazil has stalled."

My question is would the meaning of this sentence still the same if I changed it to having come tantalisingly close to taking off, Brazil stalled? Could you tell me the difference of the two sentences?

Another one" Having taught university students in global affairs, I happened to have several old papers in a drawer."


My question is would it be okay to write like this: having taught university students in global affairs, I have happened to have several old papers in a drawer? Could you explain it for me?

I'd be grateful if you could help me figure this out. Thank you.

All the best.