The Forms of the Gerund

In modern English the Gerund has exactly the same four forms as Participle I, that is two forms (active and passive) for the Indefinite group: reading, being read; and two forms (active and passive) for the Perfect group: having read, having been read. The Indefinite and Perfect forms express time distinctions only relatively. Each form has its meaning.

Forms of the Gerund

Active

Passive

Indefinite

Ving

being + Ved / V3

Perfect

having + Ved / V3

having been + Ved / V3

The Indefinite Active

and

Passive forms

express an action or a state simultaneous with that expressed by the finite verb, so it may refer to the present, past or future

• She hates cooking.

• She hated cooking.

• She will hate cooking, if you don’t stop criticizing her.

• I insist on your staying at home.

• Little children like being read to.

The Perfect Active

and

Passive forms

denote an action or a state

prior to the action expressed by the finite verb

• She denies having spoken to him.

• After having been informed of the conference the board of directors decided to discuss the agenda.

The Gerund can be used in different syntactic functions. A simple gerund occurs not seldom, but in most cases we find a complex gerund or a gerundial phrase, i.e. a gerund with one or several accompanying words. Besides it can be used as part of a predicative construction.

• I like driving.(a simple gerund)

• I like playing the piano.(a gerundial phrase)

• I like John’s (his) playing the piano.( part of a predicative construction)

1.

The Gerund can be used in a sentence as a subject, an object (non-prepositional or prepositional), an attribute (in preposition and in postposition) and an adverbial modifier of time, of reason, of manner, of attendant circumstances, of concession, of condition and of purpose. The Gerund can also be used as a predicative (part of a compound nominal predicate), as part of a compound verbal predicate and as part of a predicative construction.

2.

A gerund or a gerundial phrase may be used in a sentence with the introductory it in the function of a subject. This usage is absolutely parallel to that of the Infinitive.

• Growing roses is my mother’s hobby.

• John (‘s) coming tomorrow will make all the difference.

• If you want me to help, it’s no good beating about the bush.

3.

The Gerund is used in compound predicates of verbal and nominal types.

3.1.

The Gerund as a predicative (part of the compound nominal predicate) expresses either characterization or identity. In the latter case the predicate reveals the meaning of the subject.

• The only way out was parting with him.

• Her first thought was interviewing the man.

3.2.

In combination with phasal verbs the Gerund forms part of a compound verbal predicate. The most common phasal verbs followed by the Gerund are: begin*, burst out, start*, cease, continue*, give up, go on, finish, keep on, leave off, stop. (The verbs marked by an asterisk may also be followed by the Infinitive.)

• Again you start arguing.

• On hearing the joke everyone burst out laughing.

4.

When used as an attribute in preposition, the gerund imparts to the noun modified a special meaning: it says what the thing or person is intended for. E.g. a sleeping car = a car which is intended for sleeping in.

5.

Here are some examples illustrating the use of the Gerund in other syntactic functions.

• Housekeeping requires much time and lots of efforts. (subject)

• It has been a pleasure showing you the sights of my native city. OR:

• Showing you the sights of my native city has been a pleasure.

• The problem is saving the time. (a predicative)

• We began translating the article only yesterday.(part of a compound verbal predicate)

• There is always something children like telling you about. (non-prepositional object)

• He was thinking of asking a couple of questions. (prepositional object)

• They travelled in a sleeping car. (an attribute in preposition)

• It seems that the idea of publishing this book appeals to him. (an attribute in postposition)

• On entering the office, he saw that his colleagues were unusually excited. (adverbial modifier of time)

• We found ourselves in an embarrassing position through / because of coming to see them so early in the morning. (adverbial modifier of reason)

• You can make your skirt tighter by taking in a little at the seams. (an adverbial modifier of manner)

• She crossed the room without taking notice of the people present there. (adverbial modifier of attendant circumstances)

• In spite of being a very diligent pupil, this time he couldn’t cope with the task. (adverbial modifier of concession)

• In case of getting a letter from them let her know about it. (adverbial modifier of condition)

• He goes to expeditions for exploring the Arctic Ocean. (adverbial modifier of purpose)