Gerunds (Avoiding Gerunds Considered Harmful)

[Paul W. Frields]

On Sun, Nov 02, 2008 at 12:50:20PM -0600, Tommy Reynolds wrote:
> Uttered "Paul W. Frields" <stickster at gmail.com>, spake thus:
> 
> > In the spirit of Elizabeth West's recent tips for better writing,
> > here's one to consider:
> > 
> > Avoid the gerund wherever possible.
> > 
> > Gerunds are those words in English that end in "-ing."  Sentences that
> > use them tend to feature awkward construction, passive voice, and lack
> > of conciseness.  Gerunds also translate awkwardly in many languages.
> 
> Gerunds tend to introduce inverted sentences; although many languages
> do tend to such constructions (ala vin ordinare) many do not.
> 
> Still, I like using gerunds for topics or outline headings.  In these
> cases gerunds are dynamic and forceful, setting a clear expectation
> of the content.
> 
> Gerunding in sentences, however, lead to weak sentences.  Why work
> harder when simpler is clearer?

Gerunds in titles are great.  Thanks for the reminder -- that's the
only place where I actually *like* gerunds!

-- 
Paul W. Frields                                http://paul.frields.org/
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