'Imperiling' used as an adjective?

[jlb05]

I would like to know if it is correct to use the verb 'imperiling' as an adjective, as in:
"An imperiling storm approached their town."

I could use "perilous", but I like how 'imperiling' sounds for some odd reason, but I'm not sure if that would be grammatically correct.

I didn't want to use a common word like dangerous or menacing, so I went with variations of peril. I appreciate your help in advance!

 

[Eric Davis]

I'm not a teacher, but I think you're using a participle to modify the noun, which is totally acceptable. :up:

The Participle

Participles can function as adjectives.

 

[Eric Davis]

It might not be our choice of words, but if he likes the way it sounds, I say use it. It's your sentence to manipulate. And it is grammatically correct. Go for it! :-D

 

[Barb_D]

It's always a challenge to know what people really need. Sometimes they want to know if it's grammatically correct (to win a bet or something? who knows) and other times they want to know how a native speaker would perceive something.

My usual response is to ask if your word choice, word order, punctuation, etc. aids or inhibits conveying your meaning. If you're writing poetry, then it's good to make your reader think about your word choice. If you're writing prose, you generally don't want your reader to focus more on your word choice than your message.

That word is a "stopper" word.

It's still your choice, of course. But ask yourself what effect you want your words to have: contemplation or simply understanding?

 

[tedtmc]

I wonder if the word appeals to you because it is longer and does not look common. I think it doesn't sound natural. For a storm, I prefer simpler and more effective words like 'fierce' or 'massive'.

not a teacher

 

[Eric Davis]

He is wanting a word that is uncommon. I think he found it. Creativity, imagination, and individuality are the hallmarks of artistry. Personally, I don't find the word to be terribly distracting, but that's just my opinion.

 

[tedtmc]

IMO, There is nothing imaginative or creative about the word. It is just a long word for 'dangerous', which doesn't say much about a storm.
It is not how the word sounds but the meaning it conveys that matters
A better word comes to mind - devastating.