Running: A Name or An Action?
Words ending in -ING may seem like an action but it is not an action all the time. Let's take a look at these examples. A. Running is a hobby. ( Name ) B. The children are running after the dog. ( Action ) C. Minnie likes running with Mickey. ( Name ) Question: How would I know the difference? Answer: A singular noun calls for a singular form of verb. Running is a name if 1. You find it in the beginning of sentence. 2. You find it after the action word. It answers the question "what" (i.e. In Example C, what does Minnie like? she likes running). Running is an action if 1. It comes after the linking verbs is , are , was , and were . Exercise: Write N if the underlined word is a name and A if the underlined word is an action. _______ 1. The world is an oblate spheroid. _______ 2. Watching American shows can benefit those who wish to study English. _______ 3. Jack and Jill went up the hill. _______ 4. Mr. Sandstone is cutting the ribbon. _____