The gerund is one of the nominal forms of which we are already aware. If you want to remember them, just access the text "Nominal forms of the verb”. Therefore, this article aims to address the aspects that guide the gerund, as well as to make reference to a recurrent language addiction related to this nominal form and that has been causing serious "damage" to the our language. So, let's see:
In addition to the verbal aspect expressed in such a way, that is, that of expressing an action in progress or an action simultaneous to another or express the idea of indefinite progression, it can play the role of an adjective or adverb. Let us pay attention to some conditions:
* Functioning as an adverb, such occurrence manifests itself in sentences that indicate circumstances in such a way:
The teacher explained, smiling, today's story. (The way the teacher explained the subject)
* As said before, it acts as a verb in verbal phrases and reduced sentences, indicating an ongoing or prolonged process:
it is improving knowledge. (prolonged action)
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We are talking on the phone. (process in progress)
* When expressed in composite form, it has a past tense value and indicates a process completed at the time of enunciation, whether orally or in writing:
By havingaccomplished work, traveled for a few days.
Having confirmed all aspects, let us focus on the inadequacies attributed to this verbal form, since it has been used to reinforce the idea of progressiveness in the future. As shown in the following examples:
We will be studying a better way to serve you.
Rather than:
We will study a better way to serve you.
We will be transferring it to another sector, wait.
When the correct thing would be:
We will transfer it to another sector.
I will be researching this case.
Instead of saying that, we should choose to:
I will research this case.
Or yet:
I will research this case.
By Vânia Duarte
Graduated in Letters
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
DUARTE, Vânia Maria do Nascimento. "Gerund"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/gramatica/gerundio.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.