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Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

A Way with Words, a radio show and podcast about language and linguistics.

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Toing and froing about verbing different parts of speech
Guest
1
2015/08/14 - 6:58am
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A headline "Toing and Froing of Risk in Greek Bailout" caught my eye.

While "to and fro" as a fixed adverbial expressing was familiar to me, the verb form, while it seems quite common and well documented, had escaped my notice till now. I think it is the -oing ending that made my brain go BOING!
Collins
Macmillan
Oxford

I love unusual verbings, and I think this one is now permanently among my favorites.

Robert
553 Posts
(Offline)
2
2015/08/14 - 10:00am
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Some other gerundings  from non-verb root :  (or is  gerunding  the right word?)

So now kindly desist from this Iffing and Butting and be happy with the stories you enjoy !

Keep on  what iffing till  you've wrung out  all the possibilities !

EmmettRedd
859 Posts
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3
2015/08/14 - 11:44am
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And, I have been just struck by the closeness of iffing and f'ing (or effing).

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