Is “balancing” noun or verb in the given context?
Here is a sentence from the description of a battle game.
In the game, you have the option to improve your tracks, balancing
armour, speed, and your cannon.
In the sentence, I am not sure if the word "balancing" is a verb or noun here. I am confused by the word "improve." It is not clear whether the player has the option to improve all the four things or simply "tracks".
meaning-in-context
asked 19 hours ago
curiouscurious
2721210
add a comment |
Here is a sentence from the description of a battle game.
In the game, you have the option to improve your tracks, balancing
armour, speed, and your cannon.
In the sentence, I am not sure if the word "balancing" is a verb or noun here. I am confused by the word "improve." It is not clear whether the player has the option to improve all the four things or simply "tracks".
meaning-in-context
asked 19 hours ago
curiouscurious
2721210
2
You've identified a problem with the sentence, not your understanding.
– chrylis
15 hours ago
Can you link to the source (if it's online)? More information about the specific game may resolve the ambiguity. "Balancing armour" isn't exactly a known phrase, but it's possible that it's a phrase specific to the game, and acts as a compound noun.
– Anthony Grist
12 hours ago
add a comment |
Here is a sentence from the description of a battle game.
In the game, you have the option to improve your tracks, balancing
armour, speed, and your cannon.
In the sentence, I am not sure if the word "balancing" is a verb or noun here. I am confused by the word "improve." It is not clear whether the player has the option to improve all the four things or simply "tracks".
meaning-in-context
asked 19 hours ago
curiouscurious
2721210
Here is a sentence from the description of a battle game.
In the game, you have the option to improve your tracks, balancing
armour, speed, and your cannon.
In the sentence, I am not sure if the word "balancing" is a verb or noun here. I am confused by the word "improve." It is not clear whether the player has the option to improve all the four things or simply "tracks".
meaning-in-context
meaning-in-context
asked 19 hours ago
curiouscurious
2721210
asked 19 hours ago
curiouscurious
2721210
asked 19 hours ago
curiouscurious
2721210
asked 19 hours ago
curiouscurious
2721210
asked 19 hours ago
curiouscurious
2721210
2721210
2
You've identified a problem with the sentence, not your understanding.
– chrylis
15 hours ago
Can you link to the source (if it's online)? More information about the specific game may resolve the ambiguity. "Balancing armour" isn't exactly a known phrase, but it's possible that it's a phrase specific to the game, and acts as a compound noun.
– Anthony Grist
12 hours ago
add a comment |
2
You've identified a problem with the sentence, not your understanding.
– chrylis
15 hours ago
Can you link to the source (if it's online)? More information about the specific game may resolve the ambiguity. "Balancing armour" isn't exactly a known phrase, but it's possible that it's a phrase specific to the game, and acts as a compound noun.
– Anthony Grist
12 hours ago
2
2
You've identified a problem with the sentence, not your understanding.
– chrylis
15 hours ago
You've identified a problem with the sentence, not your understanding.
– chrylis
15 hours ago
Can you link to the source (if it's online)? More information about the specific game may resolve the ambiguity. "Balancing armour" isn't exactly a known phrase, but it's possible that it's a phrase specific to the game, and acts as a compound noun.
– Anthony Grist
12 hours ago
Can you link to the source (if it's online)? More information about the specific game may resolve the ambiguity. "Balancing armour" isn't exactly a known phrase, but it's possible that it's a phrase specific to the game, and acts as a compound noun.
– Anthony Grist
12 hours ago
add a comment |
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
I don't think this is a very well written or clear sentence. In the context I would understand it as
You can improve your "tracks"...
Tracks must be a jargon term in the game.
..., which has the effect of balancing three things:...
Balancing is a gerund here, the noun form of a verb.
... armour, speed and cannon.
I suppose in the game stronger armour means less speed or a weaker cannon. But better "tracks" means that you can carry more armour and a bigger cannon without slowing down.
answered 17 hours ago
James KJames K
39k14199
4
Would it be clearer if there was by: the option to improve your tracks by balancing armour, speed, and cannon?
– Andrew Tobilko
15 hours ago
1
@AndrewTobilko: Your versions suggests that balancing leads to track improvement, but this answer seems to infer that track improvement leads to balancing. If the intended meaning is the latter, then it should be "to": "improve your tracks to balance your armor, speed, and cannon"
– Flater
15 hours ago
@Flater the "by" interpretation is the one that makes sense.
– hobbs
12 hours ago
@hobbs: If balancing leads to track improvement, I agree.
– Flater
12 hours ago
add a comment |
It makes sense to improve:
- tracks;
- speed;
- cannon.
It does not make much sense to improve:
- balancing armor.
Actually, what is that, a "balancing armor"?
But it can make sense if you use an additional comma: "improve ... balancing, armor ...", because you can apply improve to:
- balancing;
- armor.
I do not know what "balancing" would mean in the game, but I hope it makes sense.
Another way to make a sense out of this question is to use "by":
In the game, you have the option to improve your tracks, by balancing armour, speed, and your cannon.
with the meaning: You can improve your tracks according to the way you find a balance between armor, speed and cannon.
answered 17 hours ago
virolinovirolino
2,6801629
2
"balancing armour" doesn't make sense, but "balancing armour, speed, and your cannon" does: you are balancing three things (armour, speed and cannon). I'm not saying the phrasing isn't flawed, but I think you're looking at it too narrowly by only focusing on "balancing armour".
– Flater
15 hours ago
Yes, I am aware of this meaning, after reading the other answer. Thank you, though, for pointing it out.
– virolino
15 hours ago
add a comment |
Your Answer
StackExchange.ready(function() {
var channelOptions = {
tags: "".split(" "),
id: "481"
};
initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);
StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function() {
// Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled) {
StackExchange.using("snippets", function() {
createEditor();
});
}
else {
createEditor();
}
});
function createEditor() {
StackExchange.prepareEditor({
heartbeatType: 'answer',
autoActivateHeartbeat: false,
convertImagesToLinks: false,
noModals: true,
showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
reputationToPostImages: null,
bindNavPrevention: true,
postfix: "",
imageUploader: {
brandingHtml: "Powered by u003ca class="icon-imgur-white" href="https://imgur.com/"u003eu003c/au003e",
contentPolicyHtml: "User contributions licensed under u003ca href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/"u003ecc by-sa 3.0 with attribution requiredu003c/au003e u003ca href="https://stackoverflow.com/legal/content-policy"u003e(content policy)u003c/au003e",
allowUrls: true
},
noCode: true, onDemand: true,
discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
});
}
});
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fell.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f202422%2fis-balancing-noun-or-verb-in-the-given-context%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
I don't think this is a very well written or clear sentence. In the context I would understand it as
You can improve your "tracks"...
Tracks must be a jargon term in the game.
..., which has the effect of balancing three things:...
Balancing is a gerund here, the noun form of a verb.
... armour, speed and cannon.
I suppose in the game stronger armour means less speed or a weaker cannon. But better "tracks" means that you can carry more armour and a bigger cannon without slowing down.
answered 17 hours ago
James KJames K
39k14199
4
Would it be clearer if there was by: the option to improve your tracks by balancing armour, speed, and cannon?
– Andrew Tobilko
15 hours ago
1
@AndrewTobilko: Your versions suggests that balancing leads to track improvement, but this answer seems to infer that track improvement leads to balancing. If the intended meaning is the latter, then it should be "to": "improve your tracks to balance your armor, speed, and cannon"
– Flater
15 hours ago
@Flater the "by" interpretation is the one that makes sense.
– hobbs
12 hours ago
@hobbs: If balancing leads to track improvement, I agree.
– Flater
12 hours ago
add a comment |
I don't think this is a very well written or clear sentence. In the context I would understand it as
You can improve your "tracks"...
Tracks must be a jargon term in the game.
..., which has the effect of balancing three things:...
Balancing is a gerund here, the noun form of a verb.
... armour, speed and cannon.
I suppose in the game stronger armour means less speed or a weaker cannon. But better "tracks" means that you can carry more armour and a bigger cannon without slowing down.
answered 17 hours ago
James KJames K
39k14199
4
Would it be clearer if there was by: the option to improve your tracks by balancing armour, speed, and cannon?
– Andrew Tobilko
15 hours ago
1
@AndrewTobilko: Your versions suggests that balancing leads to track improvement, but this answer seems to infer that track improvement leads to balancing. If the intended meaning is the latter, then it should be "to": "improve your tracks to balance your armor, speed, and cannon"
– Flater
15 hours ago
@Flater the "by" interpretation is the one that makes sense.
– hobbs
12 hours ago
@hobbs: If balancing leads to track improvement, I agree.
– Flater
12 hours ago
add a comment |
I don't think this is a very well written or clear sentence. In the context I would understand it as
You can improve your "tracks"...
Tracks must be a jargon term in the game.
..., which has the effect of balancing three things:...
Balancing is a gerund here, the noun form of a verb.
... armour, speed and cannon.
I suppose in the game stronger armour means less speed or a weaker cannon. But better "tracks" means that you can carry more armour and a bigger cannon without slowing down.
answered 17 hours ago
James KJames K
39k14199
I don't think this is a very well written or clear sentence. In the context I would understand it as
You can improve your "tracks"...
Tracks must be a jargon term in the game.
..., which has the effect of balancing three things:...
Balancing is a gerund here, the noun form of a verb.
... armour, speed and cannon.
I suppose in the game stronger armour means less speed or a weaker cannon. But better "tracks" means that you can carry more armour and a bigger cannon without slowing down.
answered 17 hours ago
James KJames K
39k14199
answered 17 hours ago
James KJames K
39k14199
answered 17 hours ago
James KJames K
39k14199
answered 17 hours ago
James KJames K
39k14199
39k14199
4
Would it be clearer if there was by: the option to improve your tracks by balancing armour, speed, and cannon?
– Andrew Tobilko
15 hours ago
1
@AndrewTobilko: Your versions suggests that balancing leads to track improvement, but this answer seems to infer that track improvement leads to balancing. If the intended meaning is the latter, then it should be "to": "improve your tracks to balance your armor, speed, and cannon"
– Flater
15 hours ago
@Flater the "by" interpretation is the one that makes sense.
– hobbs
12 hours ago
@hobbs: If balancing leads to track improvement, I agree.
– Flater
12 hours ago
add a comment |
4
Would it be clearer if there was by: the option to improve your tracks by balancing armour, speed, and cannon?
– Andrew Tobilko
15 hours ago
1
@AndrewTobilko: Your versions suggests that balancing leads to track improvement, but this answer seems to infer that track improvement leads to balancing. If the intended meaning is the latter, then it should be "to": "improve your tracks to balance your armor, speed, and cannon"
– Flater
15 hours ago
@Flater the "by" interpretation is the one that makes sense.
– hobbs
12 hours ago
@hobbs: If balancing leads to track improvement, I agree.
– Flater
12 hours ago
4
4
Would it be clearer if there was by: the option to improve your tracks by balancing armour, speed, and cannon?
– Andrew Tobilko
15 hours ago
Would it be clearer if there was by: the option to improve your tracks by balancing armour, speed, and cannon?
– Andrew Tobilko
15 hours ago
1
1
@AndrewTobilko: Your versions suggests that balancing leads to track improvement, but this answer seems to infer that track improvement leads to balancing. If the intended meaning is the latter, then it should be "to": "improve your tracks to balance your armor, speed, and cannon"
– Flater
15 hours ago
@AndrewTobilko: Your versions suggests that balancing leads to track improvement, but this answer seems to infer that track improvement leads to balancing. If the intended meaning is the latter, then it should be "to": "improve your tracks to balance your armor, speed, and cannon"
– Flater
15 hours ago
@Flater the "by" interpretation is the one that makes sense.
– hobbs
12 hours ago
@Flater the "by" interpretation is the one that makes sense.
– hobbs
12 hours ago
@hobbs: If balancing leads to track improvement, I agree.
– Flater
12 hours ago
@hobbs: If balancing leads to track improvement, I agree.
– Flater
12 hours ago
add a comment |
It makes sense to improve:
- tracks;
- speed;
- cannon.
It does not make much sense to improve:
- balancing armor.
Actually, what is that, a "balancing armor"?
But it can make sense if you use an additional comma: "improve ... balancing, armor ...", because you can apply improve to:
- balancing;
- armor.
I do not know what "balancing" would mean in the game, but I hope it makes sense.
Another way to make a sense out of this question is to use "by":
In the game, you have the option to improve your tracks, by balancing armour, speed, and your cannon.
with the meaning: You can improve your tracks according to the way you find a balance between armor, speed and cannon.
answered 17 hours ago
virolinovirolino
2,6801629
2
"balancing armour" doesn't make sense, but "balancing armour, speed, and your cannon" does: you are balancing three things (armour, speed and cannon). I'm not saying the phrasing isn't flawed, but I think you're looking at it too narrowly by only focusing on "balancing armour".
– Flater
15 hours ago
Yes, I am aware of this meaning, after reading the other answer. Thank you, though, for pointing it out.
– virolino
15 hours ago
add a comment |
It makes sense to improve:
- tracks;
- speed;
- cannon.
It does not make much sense to improve:
- balancing armor.
Actually, what is that, a "balancing armor"?
But it can make sense if you use an additional comma: "improve ... balancing, armor ...", because you can apply improve to:
- balancing;
- armor.
I do not know what "balancing" would mean in the game, but I hope it makes sense.
Another way to make a sense out of this question is to use "by":
In the game, you have the option to improve your tracks, by balancing armour, speed, and your cannon.
with the meaning: You can improve your tracks according to the way you find a balance between armor, speed and cannon.
answered 17 hours ago
virolinovirolino
2,6801629
2
"balancing armour" doesn't make sense, but "balancing armour, speed, and your cannon" does: you are balancing three things (armour, speed and cannon). I'm not saying the phrasing isn't flawed, but I think you're looking at it too narrowly by only focusing on "balancing armour".
– Flater
15 hours ago
Yes, I am aware of this meaning, after reading the other answer. Thank you, though, for pointing it out.
– virolino
15 hours ago
add a comment |
It makes sense to improve:
- tracks;
- speed;
- cannon.
It does not make much sense to improve:
- balancing armor.
Actually, what is that, a "balancing armor"?
But it can make sense if you use an additional comma: "improve ... balancing, armor ...", because you can apply improve to:
- balancing;
- armor.
I do not know what "balancing" would mean in the game, but I hope it makes sense.
Another way to make a sense out of this question is to use "by":
In the game, you have the option to improve your tracks, by balancing armour, speed, and your cannon.
with the meaning: You can improve your tracks according to the way you find a balance between armor, speed and cannon.
answered 17 hours ago
virolinovirolino
2,6801629
It makes sense to improve:
- tracks;
- speed;
- cannon.
It does not make much sense to improve:
- balancing armor.
Actually, what is that, a "balancing armor"?
But it can make sense if you use an additional comma: "improve ... balancing, armor ...", because you can apply improve to:
- balancing;
- armor.
I do not know what "balancing" would mean in the game, but I hope it makes sense.
Another way to make a sense out of this question is to use "by":
In the game, you have the option to improve your tracks, by balancing armour, speed, and your cannon.
with the meaning: You can improve your tracks according to the way you find a balance between armor, speed and cannon.
answered 17 hours ago
virolinovirolino
2,6801629
edited 14 hours ago
answered 17 hours ago
virolinovirolino
2,6801629
answered 17 hours ago
virolinovirolino
2,6801629
answered 17 hours ago
virolinovirolino
2,6801629
2,6801629
2
"balancing armour" doesn't make sense, but "balancing armour, speed, and your cannon" does: you are balancing three things (armour, speed and cannon). I'm not saying the phrasing isn't flawed, but I think you're looking at it too narrowly by only focusing on "balancing armour".
– Flater
15 hours ago
Yes, I am aware of this meaning, after reading the other answer. Thank you, though, for pointing it out.
– virolino
15 hours ago
add a comment |
2
"balancing armour" doesn't make sense, but "balancing armour, speed, and your cannon" does: you are balancing three things (armour, speed and cannon). I'm not saying the phrasing isn't flawed, but I think you're looking at it too narrowly by only focusing on "balancing armour".
– Flater
15 hours ago
Yes, I am aware of this meaning, after reading the other answer. Thank you, though, for pointing it out.
– virolino
15 hours ago
2
2
"balancing armour" doesn't make sense, but "balancing armour, speed, and your cannon" does: you are balancing three things (armour, speed and cannon). I'm not saying the phrasing isn't flawed, but I think you're looking at it too narrowly by only focusing on "balancing armour".
– Flater
15 hours ago
"balancing armour" doesn't make sense, but "balancing armour, speed, and your cannon" does: you are balancing three things (armour, speed and cannon). I'm not saying the phrasing isn't flawed, but I think you're looking at it too narrowly by only focusing on "balancing armour".
– Flater
15 hours ago
Yes, I am aware of this meaning, after reading the other answer. Thank you, though, for pointing it out.
– virolino
15 hours ago
Yes, I am aware of this meaning, after reading the other answer. Thank you, though, for pointing it out.
– virolino
15 hours ago
add a comment |
Thanks for contributing an answer to English Language Learners Stack Exchange!
- Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!
But avoid …
- Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.
- Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.
To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fell.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f202422%2fis-balancing-noun-or-verb-in-the-given-context%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
2
You've identified a problem with the sentence, not your understanding.
– chrylis
15 hours ago
Can you link to the source (if it's online)? More information about the specific game may resolve the ambiguity. "Balancing armour" isn't exactly a known phrase, but it's possible that it's a phrase specific to the game, and acts as a compound noun.
– Anthony Grist
12 hours ago