streaked/streaking

[idiotmike]

"My father's hair, streaked with gray and receding on both sides, is combed straight back to his collar."

Can I use "streaking" instead of "streaked" in the above sentence?

Thank you

 

[bhaisahab]

"My father's hair, streaked with gray and receding on both sides, is combed straight back to his collar."

Can I use "streaking" instead of "streaked" in the above sentence?

Thank you

No, "streaked" is correct.

 

[idiotmike]

Could you explain why? Thank you

 

[bhaisahab]

Could you explain why? Thank you

"Streaked" is an adjective describing the condition of his hair. "Streaking" is the progressive form of the verb "to streak". Definition of streak verb (MOVE FAST) from Cambridge Dictionary Online: Free English Dictionary and Thesaurus

 

[idiotmike]

What about "receded", may I use that instead of "receding"?
Thanks

 

[bhaisahab]

What about "receded", may I use that instead of "receding"?
Thanks

You could rewrite the whole thing and use "has receded", otherwise "receding" is correct.