Herb,

    Thanks for the explanation on "that." My problem with "-ing forms" is that that very name suggests that it designates a form rather than a function. I also appreciate Jane's comments, but I do think they are on target, but misguided. She notes that "to some
people that means a verb form that functions as an adjective (in Latin), while a "gerund" is a verb form that functions as a noun (in Latin and in English)."

   Gerundives are verb forms that function as adjectives. Yes, they also function as adverbs, but dangling participles dangle because students don't recognize their adjectival function. In addition, students have little trouble in equating gerundive with adjective. Once again we have teachers looking at grammar from linguists' perspectives, rather than from students'. If anyone is interested, the KISS material on verbals, including gerundives, is at:

Ed