What part of speech

[kkentfield]

Hi,

I am trying to figure out what part of speech the word "pending" is in each of the following sentences:

1) I have a pending proposal.
2) I have a proposal pending.
3) I have pending a proposal.

In (1), I think "pending" is clearly an adjective modifying proposal. In (2) and (3) I'm not sure. It seems like it might still be an adjective, modifying proposal, or it might be acting as an adverb, modifying "have." Perhaps it is some other part of speech instead?

Thanks in advance for any information!

 

[probus]

\?

 

[tzfujimino]

1) I have a pending proposal. - I agree with you. It's an adjective.
2) I have a proposal pending. - [STRIKE]I think it's the present participle of the verb 'pend'. 'have' in this sentence is a 'causative verb'[/STRIKE]
3) I have pending a proposal. - [STRIKE]This is not a grammatical sentence. If you meant "I have been pending a proposal.", then it is the present participle of 'pend'.[/STRIKE]

Hello, kkentfield.:-D
Please see my comments above in blue.

I hope my response will shed some light on your query.

(Edit) As 5jj says, 'pend' as a verb is uncommon: http://www.onelook.com/?w=pend&ls=a
Furthermore, it seems to be used intransitively - with no objects. "I have been pending [...]" is grammatically wrong. I apologize for what I said.

 

[5jj]

In both #1 and #2, 'pending' is an adjective. Perhaps because of its participle-like appearance, it often follows the noun - "I have a proposal (which is) pending".

The verb 'pend' is fairly uncommon. There is no causative HAVE in those three sentences. #3 is not a natural English sentence.

 

[kkentfield]

Great, thanks so much for the replies!

 

[Rover_KE]

There is no need to write a new post just to say "Thank you". It makes us think there is new information or a follow-up question and we spend time opening the thread. Simply click on the "Thank" button at the bottom left-hand corner of any post you find helpful. It saves everybody's time.