I read that nonfinite verb form end in -ed,-ing or starts with to and another definition where nonfinite verb form show no tense. But on the other hand, I’ve read there are past and present progressive verb forms. They start with is/are/am and end in -ing for present tense. In past form they start with … Read more
I wonder if this expression can be correctly formulated and completed using the present participle pacifying of the verb to pacifiy as an adjective at least, instead of pacifist. He/she is a pacifying person. This is what pacifying tends to do: tending to calm the emotions and relieve stress. Answer Yes, you can use it … Read more
I am doing an exercise Rudolf Flesch’s "The Art of Plain Talk." It’s point is to change as many nouns, infinitives, gerunds, and participles into "active verbs" or finite verbs. I have spent the past hour trying to rewrite a sentence to use finite verbs, but I cannot figure out if my result is actually … Read more
Some time ago I learned the difference between a present participle and a gerund, so today I decided to pass any online test to make sure I understand it. I passed it having made only one mistake, which asked the difference between the two in this sentence: Nobody was surprised at John being absent. One … Read more
Which of the following sounds better: How do I cook an omelet? – or How to cook an omelet? If I am asking which steps someone, in general, should take to cook an omelet. Answer If you start with “How to cook an omelet”, with or without a question mark, I expect you to continue … Read more
