Should I modify a gerund using an adjective or an adverb?
I know that a gerund is a noun, so it should be modified by an adjective. However, it is also a verb form. Can I modify it by using an adverb?
grammaticality grammar
edited Nov 10 '13 at 16:02
Cerberus
53.9k2119206
asked Nov 5 '13 at 2:06
Worawit Tepsan
149117
add a comment |
I know that a gerund is a noun, so it should be modified by an adjective. However, it is also a verb form. Can I modify it by using an adverb?
grammaticality grammar
edited Nov 10 '13 at 16:02
Cerberus
53.9k2119206
asked Nov 5 '13 at 2:06
Worawit Tepsan
149117
1
"A gerund behaves as a verb within a clause (so that it may be modified by an adverb or have an object); but the resulting clause as a whole (sometimes consisting of only one word, the gerund itself) functions as a noun within the larger sentence." That's straight from the Wikipedia article. Emphasis mine.
– RegDwigнt♦
Nov 10 '13 at 16:03
1
Yes, an adjective or an adverb, but not both. "Slow and careful reading" or "reading slowly and carefully", but not *"slow reading carefully".
– Peter Shor
Nov 10 '13 at 16:40
@RegDwigt: Yes, but I thought we had all agreed that Wikipedia doesn't count as a general reference? The thing is that it is more efficient to present it as a specific question with a specific answer, rather than a long article that you have to browse through to find the bit of info you need. It's not even in the introduction of the article, in this case. Secondly, Wikipedia is very succinct here, with few examples and little explanation of the principles behind it. I've added some relevant information about what happens when it is treated more like a noun, for example. And what Peter says.
– Cerberus
Nov 10 '13 at 16:42
add a comment |
I know that a gerund is a noun, so it should be modified by an adjective. However, it is also a verb form. Can I modify it by using an adverb?
grammaticality grammar
edited Nov 10 '13 at 16:02
Cerberus
53.9k2119206
asked Nov 5 '13 at 2:06
Worawit Tepsan
149117
I know that a gerund is a noun, so it should be modified by an adjective. However, it is also a verb form. Can I modify it by using an adverb?
grammaticality grammar
grammaticality grammar
edited Nov 10 '13 at 16:02
Cerberus
53.9k2119206
asked Nov 5 '13 at 2:06
Worawit Tepsan
149117
edited Nov 10 '13 at 16:02
Cerberus
53.9k2119206
asked Nov 5 '13 at 2:06
Worawit Tepsan
149117
edited Nov 10 '13 at 16:02
Cerberus
53.9k2119206
edited Nov 10 '13 at 16:02
Cerberus
53.9k2119206
edited Nov 10 '13 at 16:02
Cerberus
53.9k2119206
53.9k2119206
asked Nov 5 '13 at 2:06
Worawit Tepsan
149117
asked Nov 5 '13 at 2:06
Worawit Tepsan
149117
asked Nov 5 '13 at 2:06
Worawit Tepsan
149117
149117
1
"A gerund behaves as a verb within a clause (so that it may be modified by an adverb or have an object); but the resulting clause as a whole (sometimes consisting of only one word, the gerund itself) functions as a noun within the larger sentence." That's straight from the Wikipedia article. Emphasis mine.
– RegDwigнt♦
Nov 10 '13 at 16:03
1
Yes, an adjective or an adverb, but not both. "Slow and careful reading" or "reading slowly and carefully", but not *"slow reading carefully".
– Peter Shor
Nov 10 '13 at 16:40
@RegDwigt: Yes, but I thought we had all agreed that Wikipedia doesn't count as a general reference? The thing is that it is more efficient to present it as a specific question with a specific answer, rather than a long article that you have to browse through to find the bit of info you need. It's not even in the introduction of the article, in this case. Secondly, Wikipedia is very succinct here, with few examples and little explanation of the principles behind it. I've added some relevant information about what happens when it is treated more like a noun, for example. And what Peter says.
– Cerberus
Nov 10 '13 at 16:42
add a comment |
1
"A gerund behaves as a verb within a clause (so that it may be modified by an adverb or have an object); but the resulting clause as a whole (sometimes consisting of only one word, the gerund itself) functions as a noun within the larger sentence." That's straight from the Wikipedia article. Emphasis mine.
– RegDwigнt♦
Nov 10 '13 at 16:03
1
Yes, an adjective or an adverb, but not both. "Slow and careful reading" or "reading slowly and carefully", but not *"slow reading carefully".
– Peter Shor
Nov 10 '13 at 16:40
@RegDwigt: Yes, but I thought we had all agreed that Wikipedia doesn't count as a general reference? The thing is that it is more efficient to present it as a specific question with a specific answer, rather than a long article that you have to browse through to find the bit of info you need. It's not even in the introduction of the article, in this case. Secondly, Wikipedia is very succinct here, with few examples and little explanation of the principles behind it. I've added some relevant information about what happens when it is treated more like a noun, for example. And what Peter says.
– Cerberus
Nov 10 '13 at 16:42
1
1
"A gerund behaves as a verb within a clause (so that it may be modified by an adverb or have an object); but the resulting clause as a whole (sometimes consisting of only one word, the gerund itself) functions as a noun within the larger sentence." That's straight from the Wikipedia article. Emphasis mine.
– RegDwigнt♦
Nov 10 '13 at 16:03
"A gerund behaves as a verb within a clause (so that it may be modified by an adverb or have an object); but the resulting clause as a whole (sometimes consisting of only one word, the gerund itself) functions as a noun within the larger sentence." That's straight from the Wikipedia article. Emphasis mine.
– RegDwigнt♦
Nov 10 '13 at 16:03
1
1
Yes, an adjective or an adverb, but not both. "Slow and careful reading" or "reading slowly and carefully", but not *"slow reading carefully".
– Peter Shor
Nov 10 '13 at 16:40
Yes, an adjective or an adverb, but not both. "Slow and careful reading" or "reading slowly and carefully", but not *"slow reading carefully".
– Peter Shor
Nov 10 '13 at 16:40
@RegDwigt: Yes, but I thought we had all agreed that Wikipedia doesn't count as a general reference? The thing is that it is more efficient to present it as a specific question with a specific answer, rather than a long article that you have to browse through to find the bit of info you need. It's not even in the introduction of the article, in this case. Secondly, Wikipedia is very succinct here, with few examples and little explanation of the principles behind it. I've added some relevant information about what happens when it is treated more like a noun, for example. And what Peter says.
– Cerberus
Nov 10 '13 at 16:42
@RegDwigt: Yes, but I thought we had all agreed that Wikipedia doesn't count as a general reference? The thing is that it is more efficient to present it as a specific question with a specific answer, rather than a long article that you have to browse through to find the bit of info you need. It's not even in the introduction of the article, in this case. Secondly, Wikipedia is very succinct here, with few examples and little explanation of the principles behind it. I've added some relevant information about what happens when it is treated more like a noun, for example. And what Peter says.
– Cerberus
Nov 10 '13 at 16:42
add a comment |
1 Answer
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active
oldest
votes
If you modify a gerund "from the outside", you treat it as a noun, and so you use an adjective:
That's quick thinking! (= that is a quick act of thinking)
I heard a faint rustling of feathers or clothes.
When emphasising the nominal aspect of a gerund as above, this normally corresponds with expressing the agent of the action with of. When you use a or an, this forces you to emphasise the nominal aspect.
But you can also modify a gerund from within the gerundial construction, where it functions as a verb, so you use an adverb:
She left by quickly crossing the street and hailing a cab.
I don't like speaking softly when there is no need.
Emphasising the verbal aspect of a gerund as above usually corresponds with not expressing the agent at all within the gerundial construction (but rather outside of it, e.g as the subject of the main clause, or the object, or whatever).
answered Nov 5 '13 at 2:30
Cerberus
53.9k2119206
I've deleted my answer in deference to Cerberus' response. It is always great to learn something from this forum. My thanks to both of you.
– Michael Owen Sartin
Nov 5 '13 at 2:37
2
@MichaelOwenSartin: You are too kind! I am obsessed with gerunds.
– Cerberus
Nov 5 '13 at 2:41
add a comment |
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1 Answer
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If you modify a gerund "from the outside", you treat it as a noun, and so you use an adjective:
That's quick thinking! (= that is a quick act of thinking)
I heard a faint rustling of feathers or clothes.
When emphasising the nominal aspect of a gerund as above, this normally corresponds with expressing the agent of the action with of. When you use a or an, this forces you to emphasise the nominal aspect.
But you can also modify a gerund from within the gerundial construction, where it functions as a verb, so you use an adverb:
She left by quickly crossing the street and hailing a cab.
I don't like speaking softly when there is no need.
Emphasising the verbal aspect of a gerund as above usually corresponds with not expressing the agent at all within the gerundial construction (but rather outside of it, e.g as the subject of the main clause, or the object, or whatever).
answered Nov 5 '13 at 2:30
Cerberus
53.9k2119206
I've deleted my answer in deference to Cerberus' response. It is always great to learn something from this forum. My thanks to both of you.
– Michael Owen Sartin
Nov 5 '13 at 2:37
2
@MichaelOwenSartin: You are too kind! I am obsessed with gerunds.
– Cerberus
Nov 5 '13 at 2:41
add a comment |
If you modify a gerund "from the outside", you treat it as a noun, and so you use an adjective:
That's quick thinking! (= that is a quick act of thinking)
I heard a faint rustling of feathers or clothes.
When emphasising the nominal aspect of a gerund as above, this normally corresponds with expressing the agent of the action with of. When you use a or an, this forces you to emphasise the nominal aspect.
But you can also modify a gerund from within the gerundial construction, where it functions as a verb, so you use an adverb:
She left by quickly crossing the street and hailing a cab.
I don't like speaking softly when there is no need.
Emphasising the verbal aspect of a gerund as above usually corresponds with not expressing the agent at all within the gerundial construction (but rather outside of it, e.g as the subject of the main clause, or the object, or whatever).
answered Nov 5 '13 at 2:30
Cerberus
53.9k2119206
I've deleted my answer in deference to Cerberus' response. It is always great to learn something from this forum. My thanks to both of you.
– Michael Owen Sartin
Nov 5 '13 at 2:37
2
@MichaelOwenSartin: You are too kind! I am obsessed with gerunds.
– Cerberus
Nov 5 '13 at 2:41
add a comment |
If you modify a gerund "from the outside", you treat it as a noun, and so you use an adjective:
That's quick thinking! (= that is a quick act of thinking)
I heard a faint rustling of feathers or clothes.
When emphasising the nominal aspect of a gerund as above, this normally corresponds with expressing the agent of the action with of. When you use a or an, this forces you to emphasise the nominal aspect.
But you can also modify a gerund from within the gerundial construction, where it functions as a verb, so you use an adverb:
She left by quickly crossing the street and hailing a cab.
I don't like speaking softly when there is no need.
Emphasising the verbal aspect of a gerund as above usually corresponds with not expressing the agent at all within the gerundial construction (but rather outside of it, e.g as the subject of the main clause, or the object, or whatever).
answered Nov 5 '13 at 2:30
Cerberus
53.9k2119206
If you modify a gerund "from the outside", you treat it as a noun, and so you use an adjective:
That's quick thinking! (= that is a quick act of thinking)
I heard a faint rustling of feathers or clothes.
When emphasising the nominal aspect of a gerund as above, this normally corresponds with expressing the agent of the action with of. When you use a or an, this forces you to emphasise the nominal aspect.
But you can also modify a gerund from within the gerundial construction, where it functions as a verb, so you use an adverb:
She left by quickly crossing the street and hailing a cab.
I don't like speaking softly when there is no need.
Emphasising the verbal aspect of a gerund as above usually corresponds with not expressing the agent at all within the gerundial construction (but rather outside of it, e.g as the subject of the main clause, or the object, or whatever).
answered Nov 5 '13 at 2:30
Cerberus
53.9k2119206
edited Nov 5 '13 at 2:41
answered Nov 5 '13 at 2:30
Cerberus
53.9k2119206
answered Nov 5 '13 at 2:30
Cerberus
53.9k2119206
answered Nov 5 '13 at 2:30
Cerberus
53.9k2119206
53.9k2119206
I've deleted my answer in deference to Cerberus' response. It is always great to learn something from this forum. My thanks to both of you.
– Michael Owen Sartin
Nov 5 '13 at 2:37
2
@MichaelOwenSartin: You are too kind! I am obsessed with gerunds.
– Cerberus
Nov 5 '13 at 2:41
add a comment |
I've deleted my answer in deference to Cerberus' response. It is always great to learn something from this forum. My thanks to both of you.
– Michael Owen Sartin
Nov 5 '13 at 2:37
2
@MichaelOwenSartin: You are too kind! I am obsessed with gerunds.
– Cerberus
Nov 5 '13 at 2:41
I've deleted my answer in deference to Cerberus' response. It is always great to learn something from this forum. My thanks to both of you.
– Michael Owen Sartin
Nov 5 '13 at 2:37
I've deleted my answer in deference to Cerberus' response. It is always great to learn something from this forum. My thanks to both of you.
– Michael Owen Sartin
Nov 5 '13 at 2:37
2
2
@MichaelOwenSartin: You are too kind! I am obsessed with gerunds.
– Cerberus
Nov 5 '13 at 2:41
@MichaelOwenSartin: You are too kind! I am obsessed with gerunds.
– Cerberus
Nov 5 '13 at 2:41
add a comment |
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1
"A gerund behaves as a verb within a clause (so that it may be modified by an adverb or have an object); but the resulting clause as a whole (sometimes consisting of only one word, the gerund itself) functions as a noun within the larger sentence." That's straight from the Wikipedia article. Emphasis mine.
– RegDwigнt♦
Nov 10 '13 at 16:03
1
Yes, an adjective or an adverb, but not both. "Slow and careful reading" or "reading slowly and carefully", but not *"slow reading carefully".
– Peter Shor
Nov 10 '13 at 16:40
@RegDwigt: Yes, but I thought we had all agreed that Wikipedia doesn't count as a general reference? The thing is that it is more efficient to present it as a specific question with a specific answer, rather than a long article that you have to browse through to find the bit of info you need. It's not even in the introduction of the article, in this case. Secondly, Wikipedia is very succinct here, with few examples and little explanation of the principles behind it. I've added some relevant information about what happens when it is treated more like a noun, for example. And what Peter says.
– Cerberus
Nov 10 '13 at 16:42