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Hat train 428 Posted 6 years ago
Grammar

Running boy or boy running

#1.I know that running boy.

#2.I know that boy running.

In the above sentences, which is correct ?

In my country, we are taught that #1 is used in this case.

#3.I know that running there boy.

#4.I know that boy running there.

But we are taught that not #3 but #4 is used.I agree with this,

but I sometimes see the expression like #2.

What is the difference with #1 and #2?



  

Top answer

I would not use #2 - it sounds unnatural. I would use 'I know that boy who's running' in preference. In #1 you have a construction that is, essentially, a noun phrase - 'running boy'.

— David Hatton

  • I would not use #2 - it sounds unnatural.
  • I would use 'I know that boy who's running' in preference.
  • In #1 you have a construction that is, essentially, a noun phrase - 'running boy'.
  • In #2, you don't - we expect the noun to come at the end of a noun phrase.
  • 'Boy running' is more likely to work if you refer to the boy and then 'running' as a verb.
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2 Answers
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I would not use #2 - it sounds unnatural.

I would use 'I know that boy who's running' in preference.

In #1 you have a construction that is, essentially, a noun phrase - 'running boy'. In #2, you don't - we expect the noun to come at the end of a noun phrase. 'Boy running' is more likely to work if you refer to the boy and then 'running' as a verb. 'Look at the boy running int

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hat train 428#1.I know that running boy.

This is perfectly possible when you can identify a boy who is running. It emphasizes his running, which can seem unnecessary if all you want to do is say which boy. There might be other boys running with him.

hat train 428#2.I know that boy running.

This is the plain way I w

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