Running fast

Definition

Running fast refers to the action of moving swiftly on foot, often characterized by increased speed and energy compared to a normal pace. This term can be connected to various grammatical structures that describe actions, particularly through non-finite clauses like infinitives, participles, and gerunds, which help convey nuances of timing, purpose, or ongoing actions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The phrase 'running fast' can be used as a gerund when it's the subject or object of a sentence, like 'Running fast is exhilarating.'
2. 'Running fast' can also appear in its infinitive form when indicating intention, such as 'I want to run fast during the race.'
3. As a participle, 'running fast' can modify a noun, as in 'The athlete running fast won the competition.'
4. 'Running fast' can convey different meanings based on context; it might suggest urgency, skill, or competitive spirit.
5. Non-finite clauses allow 'running fast' to express complex ideas about time and action without needing a specific subject.

Review Questions

• How can the term 'running fast' function as a gerund in a sentence?
  • 'Running fast' functions as a gerund when it acts as the subject or object. For example, in the sentence 'Running fast is important for training,' 'running fast' serves as the subject of the verb 'is.' This allows it to emphasize the activity itself as a significant part of training.
• Discuss how 'running fast' can change meaning when expressed as an infinitive versus a participle.
  • 'Running fast' expressed as an infinitive conveys intention or purpose, such as in 'I want to run fast.' In contrast, when used as a participle in 'The runner running fast completed the marathon,' it describes an ongoing action that characterizes the subject. This distinction highlights how verb forms can influence interpretation and context in sentences.
• Evaluate how understanding the usage of 'running fast' within non-finite clauses enhances comprehension of sentence structure.
  • Understanding 'running fast' within non-finite clauses allows for better comprehension of complex sentence structures. It shows how verbs can function independently of subjects and convey intricate relationships between actions. For instance, recognizing its role as a gerund or participle helps clarify what the focus of a sentence is, thereby enriching overall language skills and making communication more effective.

Related terms

Infinitive: The base form of a verb, often preceded by 'to', used to express actions or states without specifying a subject.

Gerund: A verb form that ends in -ing and functions as a noun, allowing actions to be treated as subjects or objects in a sentence.

Participle: A verb form that can function as an adjective or as part of a verb tense, typically ending in -ed or -ing.