I want to know when I should use -ing form as noun or adjective; I am really confused about this.
6 Answers
-ing is usually used as a verb, something that is happening right now. For example, "I am driving to the store" or "I am talking to you." Sometimes it is used as an adjective to describe a noun like, "Drink from the running water" or "Speak to that working man." In your example, it would be either "I want to know." or "I want a working knowledge."
I see. I suppose there's no change, like in these sentences:
- Seeing is believing.
- Reading that book was very interesting.
- Drinking is essential
- Drinking too much pop can make you fat.
- Taking the bus was rather a good idea.
- Swimming is very good exercise.
- Taking too many aspirins is dangerous.
- I really like sailing .
- This article really needs rewriting.
- He drove two hundred miles without ever stopping.
- I look forward to seeing you again next week.
- I'm thinking of painting my house.
- I started by carefully turning off the electricity
- Do you mind shutting the window, please ?
- Will you consider taking the job?
- I've really enjoyed meeting you.
In this specific situation, when you have two verbs, one relating and giving meaning to the other, the first verb has to be conjugated with the subject, and the second always comes in infinitive form (to + verb)
This usually happens with verbs like "need, want, have, love, hate"
So the first verb you conjugate with the subject and the second comes in infinitive
I like to eat
I have to go
She wants to stay
We hate to wait
However some of these verbs accept that you use the following verb in -ing form, which will transform the verb into a noun.
These verbs are: like, love, hate and enjoy (verbs of emotion)
Therefore you can say both:
I like to swim - I like swimming
This usually happens with verbs like "need, want, have, love, hate"
So the first verb you conjugate with the subject and the second comes in infinitive
I like to eat
I have to go
She wants to stay
We hate to wait
However some of these verbs accept that you use the following verb in -ing form, which will transform the verb into a noun.
These verbs are: like, love, hate and enjoy (verbs of emotion)
Therefore you can say both:
I like to swim - I like swimming
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