The English Gerund-Participle: A Comparison with the Infinitive

by Patrick J. Duffley

There is considerable confusion regarding the English suffix «ing,» which is usually treated as «progressive.» The sentence «I regret telling him» shows, however, that this is not always the case. The very same form can sometimes evoke an ongoing process and sometimes a completed action. This book brings much-needed clarity to this area of English grammar, proposing a simple coherent explanation based on meaning. ESL teachers will find it a valuable contribution to the «focus on form» approach. It will also be of interest to linguists as it addresses the problems of tense and control that have been the object of considerable debate.

Hardcover

First published May 10, 2006