This may sound like a strange question but...

Andrew Patterson · Post by **Andrew Patterson** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 8:33 pm

If I say, "The tap(fawcet)is running," is the action "running"
a) preceding from the tap; or
b) being done to the tap; or
c) neither?

joshua2004 · Post by **joshua2004** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 8:40 pm

I would say that "running" is the state that the tap is in, as opposed to closed or instead of saying open. So neither, but maybe a linguist could answer better.

Andrew Patterson · Post by **Andrew Patterson** » Fri Sep 02, 2005 10:11 pm

I like the expression "the state that the subject is in", Joshua.

What about, "I need to paint the house," is the action proceeding from the subject now?