Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Junkomama]

Hello, teachers.

Sentence A can be changed into sentence B, can't it?
A: That is the mansion which belongs to Mr. Smith.
B: That is the mansion belonging to Mr.Smith.

Then, is it OK to change sentence C into D?
If not , please tell me the reason.
C:There are a few animals which are able to utter simple words.
D:There are a few animals being able to utter simple words.

Thank you in advance,
Junkomama

[Anuradha Chepur]

C couldn't be changed to D.
I am not sure why, but the verb in question in D is a modal (to be able to) and not on a par with the verb (belong) in A.
You can try this one:
There are a few animals capable of uttering simple words.

[Junkomama]

Thank you so much for your reply, Anuradha Chepur-san!!

Regards,
Junkomama