Cambridge Grammar of English Hardback with cd-rom a comprehensive Guide

Û

541 Index for individual terms not in the Glossary

Glossary | 907

---

➞

Informal A term associated with variation in speech or writing style in which a

more relaxed and colloquial choice of pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary

is made, projecting a closer relationship among participants:

I got into Oxford on law.

(informal)

I was accepted by Oxford University to study law.

(formal)

-ing form A non-tensed verb form which is made by adding -ing to the base form,

and is used with auxiliary be to form progressive aspect (I was doing some work

for Sally.

). It also occurs in non-finite clauses (Please listen carefully to all the

options 

before 

making your choice

.

), and functions as a noun-like form

sometimes called the gerund (Smoking is not allowed; I’m tired of shouting.).

Intensifier An adverb which strengthens, intensifies or focuses on a particular

aspect of the meaning of an item. Intensifiers are often subdivided into

amplifiers (very, really, completely, extremely) and downtoners (