Adjective or Noun phrase
Hi all, I'd like to ask about a term. Which one is correct, English Debate Club or English Debating Club?
I used to call it English Debate Club, but then I heard my friend from somewhere always says it English Debating Club. What I see here is that it's supposed to be noun phrase because the word "debate" doesn't need to explain the word "club". Am I right?
Could anybody explain more detail?
Thanks
Search from various English teachers...
Answers · 5
2
See, now maybe this is the difference between British and American English, but I would use "English Debate Club". Here the word "debate" is used as an adjective. I would also say "debate team".
2
Use "English Debating Club".
What kind of club is it? Why does it exist? For debating.
We can understand what you mean to say from "English Debate Club", but to me it doesn't sound natural.
1
'Debate' is a noun in this situation. 'Debating' is a gerund, which is a verb form doing the job of a noun. Neither word is an adjective. I think it's confusing the issue bring adjectives into this. In the term 'Football club' , football clearly isn't an adjective, is it? 'Debate club' is a compound noun, made up of two nouns. 'Debate' is a noun, telling you what kind of club it is.
As for the choice of 'Debate' or 'Debating', I'd say that 'Debate' is more American, while 'Debating' is more British - but both are fine.
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!
Start Learning Today
