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Cup cake Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

Adjectives

Hi,

I've just written these two sentences and have a question about the second one. Here they are:

Matilda and John bought a dining suite.
They later went out and bought a matching lounge.

Is the word 'matching' an adjective in this sentence?

My guess is yes, but I'm also thinking it's a gerund.

Thanks Emotion: smile
  

Top answer

Cup cake Is the word 'matching' an adjective in this sentence? Yes. Cup cake I'm also thinking it's a gerund.

— CalifJim

  • Cup cake Is the word 'matching' an adjective in this sentence?
  • Yes.
  • Cup cake I'm also thinking it's a gerund.
  • No.
  • It can't replace a noun so it's not a gerund.
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16 Answers
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Cup cakeIs the word 'matching' an adjective in this sentence?
Yes.
Cup cakeI'm also thinking it's a gerund.
No. It can't replace a noun so it's not a gerund. For example, you wouldn't say, "I bought matching" or "Matching is expensive". Besides, gerunds only very rarely occur after "a".

CJ
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Cup cakeIs the word 'matching' an adjective in this sentence?
Yes, it describes the "lounge" that was purchased.

Compare:
They later went out and bought a green velvet lounge.
Green and velvet are adjectives.
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What's a lounge, please?
Is it what we Canadians call a sofa or couch?
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CliveIs it what we Canadians call a sofa or couch?
Yes, and we Americans as well. "lounge" is a bit old-fashioned now.

Merriam-Webster has "a long couch" She sat on the lounge.

Actually it's a twisted version of the French "chaise longue" (long chair). The word "lounge" is a misinterpretation and/or mispronunciation (as well as an ob
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Wow! Thank you CalifJim.

I've always 'slightly' struggled with gerunds. I've never read or heard of such a 'clean' explanation of knowing how to properly identify one.

A great teaching tool too.
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CalifJimMatching is expensive".
But you can use "matching" as a gerund, like this:

Matching colors exactly takes a keen, sensitive eye.
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AlpheccaStarsBut you can use "matching" as a gerund, like this:Matching colors exactly takes a keen, sensitive eye.
True.

CJ
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CalifJim AlpheccaStarsBut you can use "matching" as a gerund, like this:Matching colors exactly takes a keen, sensitive eye.
Now I'm confused again.
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Cup cakeWouldn't that sentence be present continuous?
No. The verb is "takes" which is simple present tense.
Cup cakeThe word 'matching' in this sentence signifies a verb. You are doing something with the colours.
OK, I understand your problem. You confuse the progressive tenses, which require a form of "be" and the present
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Thanks A.S.

Yes, I get the basics quite easily.

I do have an issue when it comes to 'phrases' though. To me it's like splitting a hair into more pieces than is really necessary.

I also get that a gerund is a verb turned into a noun. It's a bit tricky for me though, nonetheless. I don't know why the penny doesn't drop in every example I see.

I still haven't fo
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