Hi everyone,
Can a word be a gerund noun and a participle adjective ? For example, if we add to the verb (read)
(ing) it will be (reading) which is a gerund noun and can not be a participle adjective ! Is this right ? Is there some classification, maybe according to if the word transitive or not or something ?
I appreciate your replies.
Can a word be a gerund noun and a participle adjective ? For example, if we add to the verb (read)
(ing) it will be (reading) which is a gerund noun and can not be a participle adjective ! Is this right ? Is there some classification, maybe according to if the word transitive or not or something ?
I appreciate your replies.
AnonymousCan a word be a gerund noun and a participle adjective ?Not normally simultaneously in the same sentence. No. But in different sentences an -ing word may play different roles. Note these uses of reading:
Reading in the library is a good way to pass the time. [gerund]
Reading that Australians had invaded Cuba, Jorge became upset. [participle]
Has anyone seen my reading glasses? [gerund used as adjective - glasses for reading, not glasses doing reading]
Paul is reading in the library. [participle as part of a verb phrase -- not adjectival]
CJ
Comments
"We haven't completed our testing." (noun)
"These are testing times." (adjective)
Look at this, (melting ice) melting here is adjective according to Longman.
But can I use it as a gerund. For Example, the melting of the ice at the poles.
If this is right, how would Longman say it is adjective !!
She likes reading. Here, it's a noun because it's functioning as a noun, specifically the direct object of likes.
I like reading books. Here, it's a verb because it's functioning as a verb. Note that it has books as its direct object.
Reading at the dinner table is considered bad manners. Here, it's also a verb, this time with the adverbial phrase 'at the dinner table' modifying it. Together they form the subject of the sentence.
I need my reading glasses. This time it's an adjective (sometimes called a participial adjective) because it's functioning that way. Specifically, it modifies the noun glasses.
I am reading a good book. Here, it's a verb, but it's combined with the verb 'be' to form the progressive aspect. Note that am reading has a good book as its direct object.
BillJ