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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 11
stranger
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OP
stranger
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 11 |
If a word is in participle form, such as unflagging, but does not appear as a verb (X I unflag; X you unflag; X he unflags), is that word simply referred to as a back formation or is there a more precise term?
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Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 10,542
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 10,542 |
the verb 'to unflag' would be a back-formation; but I don't know if that's what you're asking...
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 11
stranger
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OP
stranger
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 11 |
Is the word 'unflagging' a back formation? If so, is there a specific term for a back formation in participial form?
Incidentally, thank you.
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Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 10,542
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 10,542 |
>Is the word 'unflagging' a back formation?
well, no. (a back-formation from what?)
a ppl is formed by adding -ing to a verb. an example of this is 'flagging'. unflagging is formed by negation, as I suppose you might characterize it; although there may be a grammatic term for this.
The OED notes: When un- is prefixed to present or past participles, these are rarely employed in a true participial function, but become adjectival in character.
e.g.; unflagging energy
then you have the adverb form: unflaggingly pursued
(Sundance: Who are those guys?!)
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