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Are they correct?
I ramped up studying.
They ramped down (their) jogging.
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Ivan Fadeev wrote:Are they correct?
I ramped up studying. "ramp(ed) up" is an idiom, and is often used to mean an increase in something, but "ramp(ed) down" is not commonly used. That is generally "toned down", or simply "reduced".
They ramped down (their) jogging.
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FounDit, ok. But is it used with the gerund?
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Ivan Fadeev wrote:FounDit, ok. But is it used with the gerund? Yes, it can be, just as in your example of "I ramped up studying". I would've said, "I ramped up MY studying", but no matter. It's use with a gerund is probably limited, but it works in your example.
I ramped up my thinking.
I ramped up my believing in that.
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FounDit wrote:I would've said, "I ramped up MY studying", but no matter. Yes, it sounds odd with a bare gerund. If you add "my", then "studying" is actually a 'verbal noun' rather than a gerund.
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Audiendus wrote:FounDit wrote:I would've said, "I ramped up MY studying", but no matter. Yes, it sounds odd with a bare gerund. If you add "my", then "studying" is actually a 'verbal noun' rather than a gerund. Hmm. I didn't think of that, but it seems to me that since I'm talking about a possessive, it would still be a gerund. What about "My dying is expected?" or, "My living is as a welder".
I'm not a grammar expert, so I could certainly be wrong. I just try to explain usage with logic. I don't always get it right.
Edit: Actually, as I think about it, they probably should be "My death is expected" and "MY life is as a welder". But I think the others can be said as well.
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FounDit wrote:What about "My dying is expected?" or, "My living is as a welder". My dying imminently is expected – gerund My imminent dying is expected – verbal noun Without my constantly questioning him – gerund Without my constant questioning of him – verbal noun The gerund is more 'verb-like'.
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