Question

Which of these are examples of buried verbs?

1) Running
2) Jumping
3) Swimming
4) Eating
5) None of the above

Answer 1

Buried verbs are verbs converted into nouns or complex forms, which can obscure clarity. The examples provided (running, jumping, swimming, eating) do not represent buried verbs; the correct answer is '5) None of the above'. Unburying verbs typically makes language clearer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The term 'buried verb' refers to a verb that has been converted into a noun or a more complex form when the original verb would be more clear and direct. None of the options (running, jumping, swimming, eating) provided in the question represent buried verbs, as these are all gerunds or present participles and not nouns derived from verbs. Therefore, the correct answer is '5) None of the above.'

Buried verbs typically appear in phrases such as 'make a decision' where 'decide' would be more direct, or 'give consideration to' instead of simply saying 'consider'. These constructions can make the language more cumbersome and obscure the action being described. When writing, it is often preferable to use the original, unburied verb to make the text more clear and concise.