When should we use present participles?
Hi. I have a question here.
1. There are two students waiting outside. (Acceptable)
2. There was a sudden bang waking me up (Grammatically wrong)
The grammar book states that the second sentence should be written like this:
- There was a sudden bang that woke me up.
According to the book, it says "We don't use a participle instead of a verb that describes a single or sudden action.
May I know what does "single action" mean? I am so confused. If only a "single action" is allowed, why does the first sentence is acceptable given that it only involves a single action (Two students are waiting outside) as well?
One more question, can I write my sentence like this?
When there is no one cleaning after them, young adults will have to take on the responsibility of housekeeping by themselves. (It is grammatically correct?)
Top answer
teal desk 749 We don't use a participle instead of a verb that describes a single or sudden action . There was a sudden bang that woke me up. teal desk 749 why does is the first sentence [is] acceptable Waiting is just standing or sitting in one place.
- teal desk 749 We don't use a participle instead of a verb that describes a single or sudden action .
- There was a sudden bang that woke me up.
- teal desk 749 why does is the first sentence [is] acceptable Waiting is just standing or sitting in one place.
- Nobody is moving much.
- You have to move more than that to perform an action.
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teal desk 749We don't use a participle instead of a verb that describes a single or sudden action.
There was a sudden bang that woke me up.
teal desk 749whydoesis the first sentence[is]acceptable
Waiting is just standing or sitting in
0teal desk 749The grammar book states that the second sentence should be written like this:
What grammar book are you quoting from?
0
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