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【Abstract】The English -ing forms which are derived from verbs are a major challenge for learners of English. An -ing form can be used (i) as a nouns, (ii) as a gerund, (iii) as an adjective/adverb, and (iv) to form a large number of tenses and modalities/aspects for verbs. -ing forms are a major problem for any learner of English. This article attempts to provide a systematic description of the various forms to English learners.
【Key words】The English -ing forms;verbs
【中图分类号】G633.41【文献标识码】A【文章编号】1001-4128(2011)01-0117-02
作者简介：米海丽•依米提，维吾尔族，新疆林业学校讲师，英语专业。
Introduction
All -ing forms are derived from verbs. They describe different actions and aspects-modes which modify the basic meaning of the verb. In the phrase ‘To make a presentation’, for instance, the word ‘make’ is simply a verb which expresses an action. However, there are other ways in which verbs can be used:making a presentation is easy; the making of this presentation was difficult; the woman was interrupted while she was making a presentation; the man is going to make a presentation tomorrow. Or, with other verbs: he is looking down the road; a horrible-looking building; he will be departing tomorrow; there was blazing sunlight; he was going to produce a marketing survey, etc.
1 The -ing form as a noun
The basic form of a verb can become a noun. A noun can be recognised because it can be used, for instance, with an article or a possessive pronoun. So, in the following cases, the -ing form transforms a verb into a noun:
The marketing of the product will continue for a few months.
I’m angry about his missing the meeting.
This painting is very beautiful.
Do you mind my coming?
In this way, also new composite nouns can be created:
The meeting room is very large.
The welcoming party met him at the airport.
In these cases, the stress is, however, always on the first word. If the second word is stressed the whole meaning changes: the cleaning lady (an occupation) may actually just having breakfast, whereas the cleaning lady may refer, for instance, to an office secretary who is just cleaning her desk.
2 The -ing form as a gerund
The basic form of a verb can also become a gerund. This form is similar to a noun, however it cannot be used with an article or a possessive pronoun. It more conveys the process, the action of something rather than the finished product, and a direct object can be attached.
Taking photos at night-time is very difficult. (You cannot say: the taking photos …. You can say ‘the taking of photos’ in which case ‘taking’ is a noun)
Marketing the product has been a very lengthy process.
Smoking is forbidden in restaurants.
Speaking to many people can be exhausting.
Before leaving, you need ring your mother.
3 The -ing form as an adjective (participle)
The basic form of a verb can also be become an adjective. In this function, it is mostly called a‘participle’. It is used before a noun.
I was bitten by a barking dog.
We were looking at the sinking sun.
4 The -ing form and the formation of tenses
The following tenses are formed with am/are/is and the -ing form. They are Progressive -ing Forms， Present Perfect Progressive Tense. Past Progressive Tense. Future Progressive Tense. The be-going-to Form in combination with the Past Tense.The be going-to Form in combination with the Simple Form.
5 The -ing forms and their reference for the learner
The -ing form is used to expand the basic meaning of a verbs. It can be used to form (2) a noun, (2) a gerund, (3) a participle/adjective, and also to create (4) a large number of tenses with very specific modifications and aspects.
Whenever an -ing form occurs, its correct aspect and mode can be analysed. And the correct understanding of the various -ing forms is also be important for correct translations into Chinese.
【Key words】The English -ing forms;verbs
【中图分类号】G633.41【文献标识码】A【文章编号】1001-4128(2011)01-0117-02
作者简介：米海丽•依米提，维吾尔族，新疆林业学校讲师，英语专业。
Introduction
All -ing forms are derived from verbs. They describe different actions and aspects-modes which modify the basic meaning of the verb. In the phrase ‘To make a presentation’, for instance, the word ‘make’ is simply a verb which expresses an action. However, there are other ways in which verbs can be used:making a presentation is easy; the making of this presentation was difficult; the woman was interrupted while she was making a presentation; the man is going to make a presentation tomorrow. Or, with other verbs: he is looking down the road; a horrible-looking building; he will be departing tomorrow; there was blazing sunlight; he was going to produce a marketing survey, etc.
1 The -ing form as a noun
The basic form of a verb can become a noun. A noun can be recognised because it can be used, for instance, with an article or a possessive pronoun. So, in the following cases, the -ing form transforms a verb into a noun:
The marketing of the product will continue for a few months.
I’m angry about his missing the meeting.
This painting is very beautiful.
Do you mind my coming?
In this way, also new composite nouns can be created:
The meeting room is very large.
The welcoming party met him at the airport.
In these cases, the stress is, however, always on the first word. If the second word is stressed the whole meaning changes: the cleaning lady (an occupation) may actually just having breakfast, whereas the cleaning lady may refer, for instance, to an office secretary who is just cleaning her desk.
2 The -ing form as a gerund
The basic form of a verb can also become a gerund. This form is similar to a noun, however it cannot be used with an article or a possessive pronoun. It more conveys the process, the action of something rather than the finished product, and a direct object can be attached.
Taking photos at night-time is very difficult. (You cannot say: the taking photos …. You can say ‘the taking of photos’ in which case ‘taking’ is a noun)
Marketing the product has been a very lengthy process.
Smoking is forbidden in restaurants.
Speaking to many people can be exhausting.
Before leaving, you need ring your mother.
3 The -ing form as an adjective (participle)
The basic form of a verb can also be become an adjective. In this function, it is mostly called a‘participle’. It is used before a noun.
I was bitten by a barking dog.
We were looking at the sinking sun.
4 The -ing form and the formation of tenses
The following tenses are formed with am/are/is and the -ing form. They are Progressive -ing Forms， Present Perfect Progressive Tense. Past Progressive Tense. Future Progressive Tense. The be-going-to Form in combination with the Past Tense.The be going-to Form in combination with the Simple Form.
5 The -ing forms and their reference for the learner
The -ing form is used to expand the basic meaning of a verbs. It can be used to form (2) a noun, (2) a gerund, (3) a participle/adjective, and also to create (4) a large number of tenses with very specific modifications and aspects.
Whenever an -ing form occurs, its correct aspect and mode can be analysed. And the correct understanding of the various -ing forms is also be important for correct translations into Chinese.