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Future332 Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

noun modifiers vs.gerunds

Could please explain why in the following phrase there should be a noun modifier and not a gerund?
Home entertainment system.
Why not home entertaining system?
I always have problems in choosing between noun modifiers and gerunds?
Are there any rules or tricks about which one to use ?
Thanks.
  

Top answer

In this case, if the word "entertaining" were used instead of "entertainment," the implication is that the system itself provides entertainment, that it is in some way inherently amusing or funny or entertaining. That is not the case, so "entertaining" doesn't work in this sentence.

— Englishmaven

  • In this case, if the word "entertaining" were used instead of "entertainment," the implication is that the system itself provides entertainment, that it is in some way inherently amusing or funny or entertaining.
  • That is not the case, so "entertaining" doesn't work in this sentence.
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5 Answers
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In this case, if the word "entertaining" were used instead of "entertainment," the implication is that the system itself provides entertainment, that it is in some way inherently amusing or funny or entertaining. That is not the case, so "entertaining" doesn't work in this sentence.
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future332Why not home entertaining system?
That's a system for entertaining your home. Emotion: smile
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future332Home entertainment system.Why not home entertaining system?I always have problems in choosing between noun modifiers and gerunds?
Generally, the gerund is the second choice unless a convenient noun does not exist.
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Thank you all. Your answers have helped a lot.
Thanks again.Emotion: smile
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CalifJimMost of the time you learn the combination by repeating the one which you see written or hear said.
That's very sound advice. Even though a home entertaining system would be a system that entertains one's home, such logic doesn't always apply in English since English has so few inflections. For example, a swimming boy is a boy who swims but a swimming
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