Understanding When Not to Use Verb Third Forms as Adjectives
In English, the third form of verbs, also referred to as the past participle, is often used as an adjective. However, not all past participles can serve this purpose. It is important to understand the rules governing when and how to use these verb forms correctly to avoid errors in your writing or speech.
The Past Participle Versus Adjectives
The third form of a verb, in this context, is the past participle, which is used primarily in perfect tenses or passive constructions, not as a descriptive adjective unless specified. Verbs can be classified into two categories: transitive and intransitive. Transitive verbs require a direct object to complete their meaning, while intransitive verbs do not.
For transitive verbs, the past participle can indeed be used as an adjective to describe the nature or quality of a noun. For example:
The written word has a longer utility value than the spoken word.
In this sentence, both "written" and "spoken" are past participles functioning as adjectives to describe the nature of the words.
Exceptions to the Rule
There are, however, exceptions to this rule. Certain past participles from intransitive verbs can also be used as adjectives. These exceptions are crucial to understanding when it is acceptable to use past participles as adjectives. One such example is:
The typewriter has become a gadget of the gone century.
In this sentence, "gone" (the past participle of the intransitive verb "go") is used as an adjective to describe the noun "century."
Common Verbs and Their Forms
Not all verbs have past participles that can be used as adjectives. For instance, past participles of intransitive verbs like "cry" are not typically used as adjectives. Here is an example of why:
We don’t say “The cried child gets the milk.”
The correct way to use the verb in this context would be:
“The crying child gets the milk.”
This is because "cried" is a past participle, while "crying" is a present participle. It is the present participle that would correctly function as an adjective describing the child in this sentence.
Some verbs that are particularly useful to remember in this context include come and run. While they might not be the first to come to mind, they are common verbs that can be used in various constructions, including perfect tenses and participal adjectives.
Conclusion
Understanding the proper use of past participles and avoiding their incorrect use as adjectives is crucial for effective communication. Remember, not every past participle can be used as an adjective; it depends on the verb's classification and the rule of specific exceptions. Whether you are writing or speaking, always ensure that you use the correct form to avoid confusion and errors in your language.