0
Guyper Posted 13 years ago
Grammar
"They didn't have much luck finding them"
"They didn't have much luck finding them"
How cause the verb to be in -ing instead? Was a preposition omitted between luck and finding?
Thank you
How cause the verb to be in -ing instead? Was a preposition omitted between luck and finding?
Thank you
Top answer
It is a non-finite verb; it is not an inflected verb in the sentence. It is not part of a prepositional phrase. "finding them" is a participial clause.
- It is a non-finite verb; it is not an inflected verb in the sentence.
- It is not part of a prepositional phrase.
- "finding them" is a participial clause.
- "
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
4 Answers
0
It is a non-finite verb; it is not an inflected verb in the sentence. It is not part of a prepositional phrase.
"finding them" is a participial clause.
Different linguists would have different names for this structure, but one possibility would be modifier of "luck."
"finding them" is a participial clause.
Different linguists would have different names for this structure, but one possibility would be modifier of "luck."
00
Would it still be correct if I choose to say,
"They didn't have much luck to find them"?
Thanks
"They didn't have much luck to find them"?
Thanks
00
Guyper"They didn't have much luck to find them"?No. The infinitive can follow (complement) certain nouns and adjectives, but not this one.
eg.
Their ability to find them was limited by the poor visibility.
00
GuyperWas a preposition omitted between luck and finding?A preposition is not necessary. If you wanted a preposition there, it would be "in," but it would not change the -ing form of finding.
"They didn't have much luck in finding them."
0
Related Questions