Apparently the word “withering” can be a noun as in “the withering of inefficient companies”. I used to think “withering” can only be used as an adjective. So, how do you use the word?
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I use the word ‘withering’ as an adjective. I never used it as noun, just like you. I think it is rarely used as a noun but it is good to know that is can be used in a different way.
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I don’t think I’ve ever heard of “the withering of grapes” or “the withering of inefficient companies”, but it’s only a small step from “grapes withering on the vine,” so “Why not?”
It’s certainly understandable.
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I doubt if I’ve even used the word wither, or any of it’s variations. It’s amazing how many words I know the meaning of but have never used.
How about decaying, or wilting, or rotting?
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@Torsten, to me, a do-verb in the ing (progressive) form can usually be treated as a noun (gerund). I wonder why you have a doubt about it.
By the way, I have this question:
A: How are you?
B: I’m good.
Do you agree that the adjective (good) is correct here? Or, can it replace ‘well’ or ‘fine’ and function the same way?
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The phrase “I’m good” is widely used in modern spoken English.
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Most often a person would just say good or fine by itself without the I’m.
I have heard I’m well before but it’s very rare.
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Yes, ‘well’ seems to have become obsolete now.
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“I’m doing well,” but then perhaps I’m obsolete.
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Or regional. I’ve heard this in some parts of the country more than other.
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No, I think obsolete describes me.
Actually, my use of “well” is a bit of an affectation in that I’m trying to be “correct” in a world that has moved on.
I did hear someone say “I’m doing well” yesterday, but she was at least as old as me.
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Maybe you could trade yourself in for a newer model.
I think with stem cell technology, DNA manipulation, and maybe a few other things, the aging process will be largely “cured” during the lifetime of young people today. I can see the possibility of people who are alive today living well into their mid 100s. There might be people alive today who will still be alive in 2200. They will no longer wither, or will wither very slowly.
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