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In Latin grammar, a gerundive (/ dʒ ə ˈ r ʌ n d ɪ v /) is a verb form that functions as a verbal adjective. In Classical Latin , the gerundive has the same form as the gerund , but is distinct from the present active participle .
Thus, English grammar uses gerund to mean an -ing form used in non-finite clauses such as playing on computers. This is not a normal use for a Latin gerund. Moreover, the clause may function within a sentence as subject or object, which is impossible for a Latin gerund. Playing on computers is fun. (-ing clause as subject)
The gerundive of the verb (an adjectival form ending in -ndus) can be combined with the verb sum 'I am' to make a passive periphrastic tense. This usually expresses what is needing to be done: ego nec rogandus sum nec hortandus (Pliny) [1] 'I don't need to be asked or encouraged' (i.e. I will do it willingly) hī tumōres incīdendī sunt [2]
Latin is a heavily inflected language with largely free word order. Nouns are inflected for number and case; pronouns and adjectives (including participles) are inflected for number, case, and gender; and verbs are inflected for person, number, tense, aspect, voice, and mood.
The gerundive is a verbal adjective ending in -ndus (-nda etc. if feminine). It is usually passive in meaning (although a few deponent verbs can form an active gerund, such as secundus 'following' from sequor 'I follow'). [206] The usual meaning of the gerundive is that it is necessary for something to be done.
Non-finite verb forms in some other languages include converbs, gerundives and supines. The categories of mood, tense, and or voice may be absent from non-finite verb forms in some languages. [2] Because English lacks most inflectional morphology, the finite and the non-finite forms of a verb may appear the same in a given context.
Pages in category "Latin gerundives in English" The following 3 pages are in this category, out of 3 total. This list may not reflect recent changes. A.
Unfortunately for this argument, there seems to be scant evidence of preferred gerund+object constructions in archaic Latin, and a number of usage scholars have argued that the gerundive is an older construction in general (and that the confusion existed when people started trying to substitute gerunds for gerundives, and not the reverse).