How Does Adding "ing" to a Word Change Its Meaning?

The "ing" ending in English grammar changes both the meaning and the function of verbs. In some cases, it makes the verb act like a noun, and it also adds a different connotation to the word's meaning.

Major Functions

The -ing ending creates three major functions when combined with a verb. The verb can acquire the function of a participle, the function of present continuous tense, or the function of an action noun, also known as a gerund.

The Function of the Participle

In some cases, the -ing ending turns a verb into a progressive participle. A participle is a non-finite form of a verb and is not dependent upon the subject of the sentence. It functions as an adverb or even an adjective. For example, "The ball was caught by the jumping player."

Continuous Tense Forms

In complex continuous tense forms, verbs that end with -ing become part of a participial construction. They put the connotation of continuity in the statement. For example, "He was eating a sandwich" as opposed to "He ate a sandwich."

The Function of the Gerund

The gerund is defined as an action noun. Adding -ing makes a verb perform the function of a noun in a sentence, but it still carries the meaning of the verb. For example, "Swimming is a good exercise."

Other Functions

The gerund can also perform as an object in a sentence. Certain verbs commonly acquire the use of the gerund formed from them, like to adore, to consider or to deny.

References

• The Gerund in Middle English; Morton Donner; English Studies; October 1986
• WordNet search engine
• Agentivity and the History of the English Progressive; Debra Ziegeler; Transactions of the Philological Society; January 1999

Resources

• Web Site for English Learners