Present Participle

[kl004535]

Dear Teachers,

My English textbook states:
The following sentences have the same meaning and can be converted to each other without changing the meaning.

1. To read the book is easy. (to-infinitive functions as Gerund)
2. It is easy to read the book. (to-infinitive functions as Adverb)
3. The book is easy to read. (to-infinitive functions as Adverb)



On the same day, I came upon the sentence below in my dictionary.

4. The book is easy reading.

Can I convert the sentence above to the following sentences ?

5. Reading the book is easy.
6. It is easy reading the book.

I think the present participle, Reading, functions as an adverb in sentence 4 and 6; but it is a gerund in sentence 5.

I am much obliged to you for your guidance.

Thanks

 

[Eric Davis]

5. is definitely a gerund. I don't believe that participles can function as an adverb, only as nouns and adjectives. But since I'm not a teacher, I will watch this thread with keen interest.

 

[sarat_106]

Dear Teachers,

My English textbook states:
The following sentences have the same meaning and can be converted to each other without changing the meaning.

1. To read the book is easy. (to-infinitive functions as a noun and subject of the sentence but not as Gerund)
2. It is easy to read the book. (to-infinitive phrase (underlined expression)functions as Adverb)
3. The book is easy to read. (to-infinitive functions as Adverb mofifying the adjective rasy) :tick:



On the same day, I came upon the sentence below in my dictionary.

4. The book is easy reading.

Can I convert the sentence above to the following sentences ?

5. Reading the book is easy. (underlined expression is a gerund phrase)
6. It is easy reading the book. (participle phrase complementing the suject 'it')

I think the present participle, Reading, functions as an adverb in sentence 4 and 6; but it is a gerund in sentence 5.

I am much obliged to you for your guidance.

Thanks

Infinitive can be used as noun, adjective and adverb but not as gerund. A participle phrase is used as adjective.