0

I try to figure out these "-ing" forms in the following examples. They appears to be participles but not used as adjectives, and more like adverbs (complementing the action of the verbs).

  1. She came in running.
  2. I feel good paying high rent.
  3. I went back walking.
  4. She crossed the garden dancing.
  5. I came down the stairs jumping.

Thank you for helping me out.

Improve this question
4
  • I may be wrong, but I think #2 is not the same as the other sentences. In the other sentences, the "-ing" word is describing the verb, but in #2 "paying" is the verb.
    – ashleedawg
    Commented Nov 29, 2020 at 16:38
  • You are right: they are all verb participles functioning as adjuncts (adverbials).
    – BillJ
    Commented Nov 29, 2020 at 18:07
  • I know it may sound unnatural. But if these sentences are rephrased, these participles may act like adjectives. "I came down the stairs jumping" --> "Jumping up and down, I came down the stairs." However, in the original sentences, these participles act like adverbs. It's quite confusing for me.
    – Bambi
    Commented Nov 30, 2020 at 1:27
  • Compare "She came in running (verb) and "She came in tired. (adjective). Some participles do have adjective forms, for example "the entertaining clown" / "The movie was very frightening".
    – BillJ
    Commented Nov 30, 2020 at 7:53

0

Reset to default

You must log in to answer this question.

Browse other questions tagged .