Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
An -ing form is termed gerund when it behaves as a verb within a clause (so that it may be modified by an adverb or have an object); but the resulting clause as a whole (sometimes consisting of only one word, the gerund itself) functions as a noun within the larger sentence.
Many uses of gerunds are thus similar to noun uses of the infinitive. Uses of gerunds and gerund phrases are illustrated below: As subject or predicative expression: Solving problems is satisfying. My favorite activity is spotting butterflies. As object of certain verbs that admit such constructions: I like solving problems. We tried restarting ...
The AmE response would be "He must have." omitting the form of "do". The BrE usage is commonly found with all forms of "do", for example: [23] I have done. I haven't done. I will do. I might have done. I could do. I could have done. I should do. I should have done. Except in the negative, the initial pronoun may be omitted in informal speech.
For the regular verbs, the gerund is formed from the infinitive of the verb by taking the stem and attaching the appropriate gerund suffix: -are verbs take -ando and the -ere and -ire verbs both take -endo. The table shows the conjugations of stare in the present tense with a gerund to exemplify the present continuous:
When the adjectival form is followed by a verb, the gerund is used: I am used to going to college in the mornings. I used to drink black coffee means that in the past I drank black coffee, but now I don't. Used to describes an action that did happen, but does not happen now. [9] When I was younger I used to play with toys, but I don't any more.
If there is no special verb in the original verb phrase, it is replaced by do/does/did: he does, they didn't. Clauses that omit the verb, in particular those like me too, nor me, me neither. The latter forms are used after negative statements. (Equivalents including the verb: I do too or so do I; I don't either or neither do I.)
At a glance: ARM vs. fixed-rate mortgage. Adjustable-rate mortgage. Fixed-rate mortgage. Down payment. Typically 3.5% to 20%. Typically 3% to 20%. Initial interest rate. May be lower or higher for ...
When used as a gerund or present participle, the -ing form is a non-finite verb, which behaves like a (finite) verb in that it forms a verb phrase, taking typical verb dependents and modifiers such as objects and adverbs. That verb phrase is then used within a larger sentence, with the function of an adjective or adverb (in the case of the ...