3 ms·

It can be either, depending on context. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ally https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ally

• OJFord 7y ago
  GP is referring to the slide (linked in GGP post) that calls it a verb but uses it as a noun: > Ally is a verb, not an identity > [...] > Acting as an ally is about action - it is not an identity, which is why we talk about "ally skills" instead of "allies" (In military slang 'ally skills' could be adjectival use, but I'm pretty sure this is using it like 'friend skills', a noun.)
  • grzm 7y ago
    My reading of the slide is that they're making the distinction that it's an action (verb) not a state of being (identity), similar to the meme that "human being" is an action rather than a thing. I take the following sentences as confirming this reading: > Being a marginalized person takes no action - it is an identity: > Acting as an ally is about action - it is not an identity, which is why we talk about "ally skills" instead of "allies" > Depending on what is most relevant about you to the situation, you may switch between being marginalized and acting as an ally