0
Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Grammar
Pluralizing a gerund possible and correct?
Hi. Please help. I think it is correct to use a gerund like "shifting" as a countable noun, thus making it possible to have phrases like "a shifting of 'something'." And I also think it is correct to modify a gerund with an adjective like "a heavy lifting of 'something'" and "a thruogh mixing of 'something.'"
But I think this practice of putting the indefinite article "a" or "an" in front of a gerund is something that is available when context renders itself to its use. (I hope I said what I wanted to say correctly - not sure, though).
Then I think special attention needs to be paid when pluralizing a gerund like "liftings." I have seen phrases like "prayed in tongues and groanings for some time" and wonder if there are any guidelines that we can rely/depend on.
But I think this practice of putting the indefinite article "a" or "an" in front of a gerund is something that is available when context renders itself to its use. (I hope I said what I wanted to say correctly - not sure, though).
Then I think special attention needs to be paid when pluralizing a gerund like "liftings." I have seen phrases like "prayed in tongues and groanings for some time" and wonder if there are any guidelines that we can rely/depend on.
Top answer
e. the division of the gerund into subgroups identified by adjectives: a heavy lifting vs a light lifting ). 2-- Pluralizing is also common.
- e.
- the division of the gerund into subgroups identified by adjectives: a heavy lifting vs a light lifting ).
- 2-- Pluralizing is also common.
- The guideline is just writer's intention, I think: I have seen many hangings, but this hanging was the ugliest.
- A clean hanging is done quickly and painlessly.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
8 Answers
0
I am not clear on what concerns you, but I can say this:
1-- Using the article with a gerund when reclassification occurs (i.e. the division of the gerund into subgroups identified by adjectives: a heavy lifting vs a light lifting).
2-- Pluralizing is also common. The guideline is just writer's intention, I think: I have seen many hangings, but this hanging
1-- Using the article with a gerund when reclassification occurs (i.e. the division of the gerund into subgroups identified by adjectives: a heavy lifting vs a light lifting).
2-- Pluralizing is also common. The guideline is just writer's intention, I think: I have seen many hangings, but this hanging
00
Is pluralizing a gerund possible and correct?
Yes, but you can't just pluralize them *****-nilly. A plural gerund is not at all as common as a singular gerund, but the plurals do occur.
The detectives were kept busy tracking all of the suspect's comings and goings.
Miss Smith was amused by the children's offerings of flowers and ribbons.
Her readings of
Yes, but you can't just pluralize them *****-nilly. A plural gerund is not at all as common as a singular gerund, but the plurals do occur.
The detectives were kept busy tracking all of the suspect's comings and goings.
Miss Smith was amused by the children's offerings of flowers and ribbons.
Her readings of
00
Hi. Thank you for your help. And that goes to CalifJim too.
You wrote (in your response):
1-- Using the article with a gerund when reclassification occurs (i.e. the division of the gerund into subgroups identified by adjectives: a heavy lifting vs a light lifting).
Yes, I think that is valid.
I also think a gerund can be modified by an adjective
You wrote (in your response):
1-- Using the article with a gerund when reclassification occurs (i.e. the division of the gerund into subgroups identified by adjectives: a heavy lifting vs a light lifting).
Yes, I think that is valid.
I also think a gerund can be modified by an adjective
00
0
Hi. Thank you. In the American Standard Version of the Bible, of Acts 4:29, it is written:
And now, Lord, look upon their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants to speak thy word with all boldness,
Why do you think there is the word "threatenings"? I think the word "threatening" means the act of threatening, whereas the word "threat" means words that mean harm. Does "threateni
And now, Lord, look upon their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants to speak thy word with all boldness,
Why do you think there is the word "threatenings"? I think the word "threatening" means the act of threatening, whereas the word "threat" means words that mean harm. Does "threateni
00
It is just an older style to use the plural of threatening instead of threats. You may notice that we no longer say look upon, grant unto, or speak thy word either in contemporary English.
00
CalifJimAnd when there is another noun available, the gerund form not used at all, whether singular or plural:It is maddening to listen to the buzzword brigade say "learnings" when they mean "lessons". Yet, the same people will say "spend" when they mean "spending". Did they skip gerunds in school altogether?
By the way, the advice above this window adm
00
AnonymousBy the way, the advice above this window admonishes me to "Only write in: English". The correct way to phrase that would be "Write only in English" or "Write in English only."That point has been raised with the administrators.
0
Related Questions