I have questions regarding the subject of this sentence:
Recasting of the sentence is needed. (gerund + adjectival prep. phrase)
The recasting of the sentence is needed. (same as above). Is the article allowed? Why?
Recasting the sentence is needed (gerund + object). What is the difference between this and the sentences using the prep. phrase?
The recasting the sentence is needed. (gerund + object). Why doesn't the article work here?
Thank you
Recasting of the sentence is needed. (gerund + adjectival prep. phrase)
The recasting of the sentence is needed. (same as above). Is the article allowed? Why?
Recasting the sentence is needed (gerund + object). What is the difference between this and the sentences using the prep. phrase?
The recasting the sentence is needed. (gerund + object). Why doesn't the article work here?
Thank you
Comments
I think "recasting the sentence" is a participial phrase acting as a noun phrase (subject).
(Just a guess!)
When you add the article, you force the P.P to become a gerund, and the "of" is then needed.
You wanna know why the "of" is needed? I'll tell you:
I don't know.
When "recasting" is a gerund, the article is optional, because "recasting" may be countable or uncountable.
The preposition, however, is not.
I don't know.
Alas, you and I are using different terminology. To me, a participial is adjectival or adverbial, never nominal. An ing word functioning as the subject, object, complement etc is always a gerund.
Sometimes we name a phrase for the type of word which heads it; sometimes we name it for the way it functions.
I believe you have the count/non-count backward.
I'm saying you can omit the article if you choose: sea, sand, people.
I can't afford a/the recasting. (gerund - countable)
I can't afford recasting. (gerund - uncountable)
Sorry, I just forget to say phrase...everytime...Fast learner, I know!
I think I understand you now. The definite article can be omitted with plural countable nouns. And recasting can be seen as such or it can be seen as a singular noun, which would require the require the 'the.'
Hey, wait a minute!
I'm thinking singular (article), uncountable (no article), Not countable plural -
So if you omit the "the," it can be a participle or a gerund.
If you include the "the," it can only be a gerund.
If it's a participle, you may not use the "of."
If it's a gerund, you must use the "of."
A recasting of the sentence is needed.
CJ
Recasting of X (gerund - uncountable)
A recasting X (doesn't work) "A" makes it a gerund, so it requires "of."
Recasting X (participle - "of" not required)