IMPLICIT MEANINGS OF –ING SUPPLEMENTIVES
Without a preposition, the –ing form is indeterminate in meaning. This is not to be considered as some sort of deficiency, but rather as an economical means of expressing relationships that are not required to be further specified, since hearers and readers infer the relevance of the relationship intended by the writer.
With the –ing form and a main clause with a finite verb, the following implied meanings are typical:
• an action and a mental process occurring simultaneously:
They drove on, wondering how long their petrol would last. (additive = and wondered)
• a mental process, with the -ing clause implying an adversative meaning
Not realizing the danger, she stumbled towards the edge of the cliff.
• two or more actions occurring simultaneously.
The dog leapt forward, baring its teeth. (additive)
• two consecutive actions:
Leaving the car unlocked, he walked quickly towards the group of people.
Unlike coordinated clauses, these combinations tend to be reversible, as for instance: ‘Baring its teeth, the dog leapt forward’. Considerations of end-weight and discourse connectivity will determine the choice.
