Running

Definition

'Running' refers to the present participle form of the verb 'run' and can also function as a gerund. In the context of non-finite clauses, it illustrates how actions can be expressed without indicating a specific tense or subject, allowing for more fluid and varied sentence structures. This term showcases the flexibility of verbs in English grammar, contributing to the creation of complex ideas and relationships between actions within sentences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Running' can act as a gerund, functioning as a subject or object within a sentence, such as 'Running is fun' or 'I enjoy running.'
2. 'Running' serves as a present participle when used to indicate an ongoing action or state, often found in continuous verb tenses like 'I am running.'
3. 'Non-finite clauses' containing 'running' allow for more concise expressions of actions without anchoring them to specific subjects or times, creating complex sentence structures.
4. 'Running' can be used in reduced relative clauses, enhancing sentence economy; for instance, 'The man running down the street is my brother.'
5. 'Understanding how 'running' functions in different grammatical roles enhances comprehension and use of English sentence structures effectively.'

Review Questions

• How does the term 'running' function differently as a gerund compared to its use as a present participle?
  • 'Running' functions as a gerund when it acts like a noun, such as in the sentence 'Running is beneficial for health,' where it represents the activity itself. In contrast, when used as a present participle, it describes an ongoing action within a verb phrase, like in 'She is running fast,' indicating what she is currently doing. This distinction shows how the same word can serve multiple grammatical roles based on context.
• Discuss the role of non-finite clauses in enhancing sentence variety and complexity with respect to 'running'.
  • 'Non-finite clauses allow for the incorporation of actions like 'running' without needing to specify a subject or tense. For example, saying 'Running late, I hurried to class' creates a more fluid narrative by integrating action into the sentence without explicitly stating who is running. This feature enables writers to convey multiple ideas efficiently while maintaining clarity and connection between them.
• Evaluate the impact of using participles such as 'running' on the clarity and effectiveness of communication in writing.
  • 'Using participles like 'running' can significantly enhance writing by providing immediate information about actions without lengthy explanations. It allows writers to convey simultaneous actions or conditions succinctly, thus improving flow and readability. For instance, phrases like 'The children running outside laughed joyfully' provide a vivid image quickly. This efficiency aids readers in grasping content quickly while maintaining engagement through dynamic imagery and varied sentence structures.'

Related terms

Gerund: 'A gerund is a verb form that ends in -ing and functions as a noun in a sentence, allowing for the expression of actions as subjects or objects.'

Participle: 'A participle is a verb form used as an adjective or to create verb tenses; the present participle ends in -ing, indicating ongoing action.'

Infinitive: 'An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by 'to', and can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence.'