Syntactical functions of the Gerund

The Gerund has multiple functions in the sentence. It can be used as:

1. Subject (подлежащее):

Learning rules without examples is useless.

2. Direct object (прямое дополнение):

He has proposed asking that woman to lunch.

The question is worth answering.

3. Indirect prepositional object (косвенное предложное дополнение):

She doesn’t eat bread because she is afraid of getting fat.

The Gerund is used after any verb or adjective followed by prepositions:

to be afraid of	to blame for	to prefer smth. to smth.
to be tired of	to praise for	to rely on
to be engaged in	to depend on	to thank for
to be fond of	to feel like	to approve of
to be interested in	to look forward to	to be used to
to be responsible for	to object to	to accuse of
to insist on	to suspect to	to succeed in
to be good at	to be capable of	to be accustomed to
etc.

Part of a compound verbal predicate (часть сложного глагольного сказуемого):

She began studying foreign languages.

He couldn’t help admiring the man.

Part of a compound nominal predicate (часть сложного именного сказуемого):

The only remedy for such a headache is going to bed.

Adverbial modifier (обстоятельство). The Gerund in this function is always preceded by a preposition. The Gerund may be used as an adverbial modifier of:

- manner or attendant circumstances (prepositions by, without, instead of, besides)

Besides taking part in amateur performances, he goes in for all kinds of sport.

She crossed the room without taking notice of the people present.

- cause (prepositions through, because of, for, for fear of, owing to)

I couldn’t fall asleep last night for thinking of it.

- time (prepositions on, upon, after, before)

On seeing his father, the boy ran up to him.

- condition (preposition without)

He has no right to come here without being invited.

- concession (preposition in spite of)

In spite of being busy he managed to help her.

- purpose (preposition for)

He stayed after the class for answering the questions.

Attribute (определение). The Gerund in this function is always preceded by a preposition and is used after such nouns as opportunity of, idea of, chance of, importance of, hope of, way of, experience in, interest in, reason for.

The idea of taking up painting came to him when he was middle-aged.

Ex. 6. State the function of the Gerund in these sentences. Translate them into Russian.

I like hearing that word. It brings back past memories.

All we are doing is getting general information.

Starting this school had been important to him.

The idea seemed ridiculous but she kept on thinking about it.

It’s no use pretending it doesn’t hurt.

Lady Agatha shook her head but couldn’t help being amused.

The conference closed after hearing and discussing about eighty reports.

I can’t help feeling that it is necessary to put Mister before the name of a total stranger.

9. And what I don’t know about pearls isn’t worth knowing.

10. He had every reason for doing it, he looked as if he had done it.

11. Miss Livingstone started pulling open various drawers in the furniture in Mrs. Oliver’s so called study.

12. Waiting for the Professor was a lame excuse for doing nothing.

13. Little Hans nodded and smiled and felt very proud of having a friend with such noble ideas.

14. He passed by the palace and heard the sound of dancing.

15. One certainly suffers for being generous.

16. I am already learning something about her without seeing her.

17. She startled her father by bursting into tears.

18. They found themselves in an awkward position through coming to see their friends so early in the morning.

Ex. 7. Use the required form of the gerund in its function of subject or predicate in the following sentences.

The place was cheerful and he felt relaxed. It was like …warm in bed (to be).

The really important thing was …the children (to save).

Not …. home, in fact, seemed lately to become the pattern of his life (to go).

“To say that you are a fool is …it very mildly,” said Douglas (to put).

Let us admit that …with us is the thing that we cannot do without (to read).

To love John was like …alive (to burn).

Just …silent together like that helps (to be).

For a woman, ….is everything in life (to need).

I have no idea what we ordered, but …gave me time to work out my next move (to order).

Not …my sister about it hurts me (to tell).

… him makes me glad. (to see).

Ex. 8. Use the required form of the gerund in its function of direct object to a verb in the following sentences.

I enjoyed …to her talk of Viennese society in the days of her youth (to listen).

Kate avoided …John alone (to see).

You keep …things in Latin and you know I can’t understand (to say).

I didn’t mind … about them a bit (to think).

He stopped …and went into the bathroom to turn the water on (to whistle).

His sister-in-law certainly needed …after (to look).

I can’t help …Sophy (to like).

I couldn’t resist … such a lovely hat (to buy).

Ex.9. Translate the following into English using gerunds as direct objects to verbs.

Она стала плакать (to begin).

Он совсем проснулся и хотел было почитать, но в доме не было книг (to feel like).

Поль не нуждается в защите (to need).

Он любил находиться в обществе своих родственников (to like).

Он непрерывно поглядывал на часы и, выпив чай, сказал, что должен возвращаться (to keep).

Дэн не мог удержаться от того, чтобы не показать свою работу (to resist).

Я не думаю, чтобы он упоминал о том, что навещал их (to mention).

Я не мог вынести, чтобы ко мне относились так холодно (to endure).

Она не возражала против того, чтобы быть одной в коттедже (to mind).

Я думаю, вам понравится жить здесь (to enjoy).

Несмотря на дождь, мы продолжали ждать (to go on).

Он предпочитал, чтобы его называли Джон (to prefer).

Infinitive or Gerund after verbs. For more information read Azar B.S. Understanding and Using English Grammar. Pp. 154-172.

Ex. 10. Translate the following into English using gerunds in the function of direct object to an adjective in the following sentences.

Мама была занята приготовлением обеда на кухне (busy).

Песню стоило записать на магнитофон (worth).

Об этой новости стоило написать отцу (worth).

Его жена была в Лондоне. Она занималась тем, что подыскивала новое жилье (busy).

Его коллекцию марок стоило посмотреть (worth).

Ex.11. Use the required form of the gerund in its function of prepositional object to a verb in the following sentences.

I wondered if I ought to apologize for … the letter (to write).

My mother had always insisted on … the weakest electric light bulbs (to use).

Mel was still not sure why he had called up, but he felt better for … so (to do).

He muttered something about … such a doll in a shop (to see).

Casie would never forgive her younger sister for … from home and … an affluent husband (to escape, to marry).

I thought myself a fool for not … it months before (to guess).

Ex. 12. Fill in the blanks with prepositions (where necessary) and the gerund (in the function of a prepositional object) to the verbs in brackets.

Are you interested … (learn) to play the piano?

I am not used … (eat) much spicy food.

Did she apologise… (be) late?

She is very good … (paint) and (draw).

He is tired … (hear) her complain.

She thanked me … (give) her a lift in my car.

I suspect him … (destroy) these papers.

There is no use …(try) to stop that.

I’m sorry if I hurt your vanity … (say) so.

She only succeeded … (open) a restaurant.

Lanny passed dancing people … (see) them.

We reached the river …(cross) the meadow.

… (cross) the river at that time of the year was out of the question.

You must forgive me …(call) at such an hour.

Somebody told me she’d taken…(wear) a wig.

They say that you are very clever … (find) out what did happen.

We are looking forward … (see) our friends again.

Her father strongly objected … (smoke).

She accused him … (cause) Bonnie’s death.

Ex.13. Fill in the blanks with prepositions (where necessary) and the gerund (in the function of a prepositional object) of the verbs in brackets.

Jones insisted … (shake) hands.

I take all the blame … (not, see) further than my nose.

Unfortunately I haven’t succeeded … (make) much impression on you.

His mission had very little to do … (win) the war.

He did not object … (interrupt) by the listeners.

When asked what his father did in life, the boy answered: “My father works … (keep) the world … (have) another war.

I will look forward … (see) your book.

Jack hesitated, then decided … (talk).

So when she compromised … (let) me talk her … (have) at least some grape juice, I let it go at that.

Quite late, when he was on the point … (go) upstairs, the door bell rang.

Further reading: Azar B.S. Understanding and Using English Grammar. Pp. 151-154

Ex.14. Translate the following into English using gerunds as prepositional objects to verbs.

Я не виню тебя за то, что тебе так хочется уехать из города в такую погоду.

Нам было нетрудно хорошо относиться друг к другу (to have no difficulty).

Ничего не могло помешать ему вернуться в Лондон.

Он извинился, что задержал меня.

Мне не удалось заставить Энн говорить (to succeed).

Доктор начал с того, что пощупал ей пульс.

На секунду я испугался, что он задумал подать в отставку (to think).

Я спросил его, как ему нравится быть врачом (to feel about).

Как ты объяснил, что разбил машину (to account)?

Он упрекал себя за то, что не попытался поговорить с нею (to reproach).

Он не возражал против того, чтобы там находились другие люди.

Отец часто обвинял меня в том, что я отношусь к дому как к отелю.

Дэн уговорил Джона остаться с ним завтракать (to talk).

Ex. 15. Translate the sentences into English using gerunds in the function of a prepositional object for the words in italics. Use the appropriate preposition.

Похоже, что будет дождь.

Он оставил мысль о поездке на Черное море.

Они говорили об отправке своего человека на Восток.

Мы с нетерпением ждем встречи с английским актером.

Она подозревает, что он тратит много денег на книги.

Он против того, чтобы занимать деньги.

Я не чувствую себя в настроении разговаривать с ним сейчас.

Они преуспели в управлении делами своей компании.

Я настаиваю на том, чтобы читать эту книгу в оригинале.

Он обвиняет ее в том, что она неверна ему.

Я хочу предотвратить драку.

Она жалуется, что ее часто оставляют одну.

Много зависит от выбора хорошей машины.

Он любит смотреть спортивные передачи.

Он расплакался.

Я одобряю ваше желание учить немецкий язык.

Ex. 16. Use the required gerunds in its function of prepositional object to an adjective in the following sentences. Use the appropriate preposition.

From the age of four, I had been used …… with ideas (to live).

How proud I was ……… the code (to invent).

I was tired ………. charity clothes (to wear).

He was grateful to Finch ……….. him to come (to persuade).

At the time I was very keen ………. an independent income (to get).

He is uncapable ………… a lie (to tell).

Eden said: “I’m sorry …… the car …….. (to sell).

He was impatient with me ………… so stubborn (to be).

He suddenly became conscious … someone ………. beside his desk (to stand).

The man of letters is accustomed ……… (to write).

Mrs Attley was very skilful ………. the table talk away from her daughter (to direct).

You seem upset …….. Jones (to lose).

Your colleagues are good ……….. a secret, aren’t they (to keep)?

He is usually careful ……… his statement (to make).

He is quite excited ……….. among us (to be).

It was five minutes later than my usual bedtime and I felt guilty ………… still up (to be).

She was quick …………. things (to find out).

You seem very fond ………… things behind my back ( to say).

Ex. 17. Translate the following into English using gerunds as prepositional objects to adjectives.

Ты явно умеешь держать язык за зубами.

Я гордился тем, что оказался полезным ему.

Я знал, что он не способен принимать решения.

Доктор привык выслушивать самых разных людей.

Мне жаль, что я причинил вам так много беспокойства.

Я больше, чем ты заинтересован в том, чтобы найти ее.

Мне надоело делать то, что мне дается с трудом.

Я удивился, что он вообще женился.

Я был немного разочарован тем, что не встретил Чарльза.

Она была благодарна ему за то, что он понял, что ей не хочется говорить о себе.

Он был раздражен на нее за то, что она втянула его в эту ссору.

Он любил смеяться над теми, кто был робок.

Ex. 18. Specify what kind of adverbial modifier the gerunds have.

I bumped into a man. Without looking up I apologized and proceeded on my way.

That morning my father said to me: “In sending you to this school, Henry, I’m making a sacrifice. I can’t really afford it.”

The girl hesitated, as though not quite knowing what to do.

At about seven, he strolled about the garden, as if looking for something.

On returning home from school I noticed a small jade statuette on our living-room shelf.

He had not, since leaving, written to her.

I took my temperature and, upon finding it was a hundred point four, went back to bed again.

I was to walk over to my grandmother’s before going home.

I showed my boredom by refusing to find any interest in the view.

After checking into his room, he left the inn and arrived at the airport in time to go on duty.

She had many little things to do besides sitting idly in her house while waiting to be taken out by her boarder.

“But the country is much better for you than working in the hot city all summer,” said Mrs Cowan.

He had scarcely drunk tea at all until knowing Gwen.

When laughing she half closed her eyes.

Though knowing what was there, he took the paper out and walked to the window to read.

Ex. 19. Supply the required conjunctions or prepositions for gerunds used as adverbial modifiers.

1. He sat alone with his head propped in his hands …………… (listen) to music.

2. He hesitated ………….. (see) him, then strode on to meet him.

3. Again she told, and this time in detail, all she had been through with her daughter …………… (leave) home.

4. I never thought they would have left …………….. (notify) me.

5. You can’t escape it ………….. (run) away.

6. I make the journey twice a day and usually pass the time ………………. (fall) into a light trance.

7. ……………….. (swim) we lolled around on the beach and lay in the sun.

8. ……………….. (arrive) in the apartment, I found out they were planning a little party for me.

9. I thought that the telegram would be better …………………. (try) to explain the situation over the phone.

10. ……………. (go) to his chief’s office, he looked through the messages on his desk.

Ex.20. Translate the following into English using gerunds as adverbial modifiers to a verb.

Ожидая, когда официант вернется со льдом, Джек зажег сигарету.

Она задумчиво посмотрела на меня, словно всерьез воспринимая то, что я сказал.

Он отказался привести себя в порядок перед тем, как идти пить чай.

Фил сунул деньги в карман, не сосчитав их.

Он начал с того, что подмел в коттедже.

Не дожидаясь его ответа, она стала собирать чашки.

Он утонул во время купания.

Прежде чем ответить, он зажег сигарету.

Посмотрев пьесу по телевидению, я сказал, что иду спать.

Эби не брился с самого прибытия в Париж.

Несколько минут мы шли, не говоря ни слова.

По прибытии я был рад обнаружить, что я всех там знаю.

Он двигался очень медленно, как будто плыл.

Затем он отвернулся. При этом он убрал руку с двери.

Ex.21. Put the verbs in brackets into gerunds in the function of an attribute. Supply them with the preposition “of”.

He liked to practice his English but he did not have much opportunity …….. so during the voyage (to do).

He seemed in the best of tempers at the prospect ………. the evening away from his family (to spend).

Talking to them I enjoyed the sense …………., …………….. part of a community (to belong, to be).

Ordinarily, the process ……… clothes irked me (to buy).

He had a gift now and then ……………… nice things (to say).

I dreaded the task ………….. him away (to take).

I was spared the trouble …………. because Bessie seemed in too great a hurry to listen to explanations (to answer).

He had the great misfortune …………. by his father (to see).

He would sit up straight in his bed with his feet tucked under him so that you had the impression ……………… by a rajah (to receive).

His stamps mean a lot to him. He won’t miss this chance ………. to them cheaply (to add).

Ex.22. Translate the following into English using gerunds as attributes.

Конечно, у меня было то преимущество, что я очень хорошо знал этого человека (advantage).

Какой смысл оставаться у них дольше (point)?

Когда он говорил, создавалось впечатление, что он нервничает и неловко себя чувствует (impression).

У него была привычка засиживаться до поздней ночи (habit).

В феврале он уехал на восток с намерением продать свое дело и поселиться в Нью-Йорке (intention).

Я всегда испытывал страх, что сделаю что-нибудь не то (fear).

В тот день не было никакой возможности пойти погулять (possibility).

Утром шел дождь, и она отказалась от всякой надежды попасть в бассейн (hope).

Он отказался от идеи позвонить по телефону (idea).

Я был в отчаянии от мысли, что могу потерять работу (thought).

Я не знаю никакого приличного способа отклонить их приглашение (way).

Я рад, что получил возможность увидеть вас (chance).

Ex.23. Supply prepositions other than “of” for gerunds used as attributes.

She had great difficulty …. not showing her feelings.

She looked upon life as an opportunity …. writing novels.

There doesn’t seem to be much point …. my coming.

There isn’t much sense …. my going through all the reasons of my behavior.

Blair raised no objection ….going back to London.

She has a wonderful talent ….. getting the best out of people.

There could be no doubt …. there being something between her and Hugh.

I repeat, that was one of my reasons …. giving you this news today.

Ex. 24. Translate the following into English using gerunds as attributes to nouns requiring other prepositions than “of”.

Я с трудом открыл дверь из-за массы газет и писем, лежавших на полу (difficulty).

Не было никакого смысла сидеть в комнате целый день (sense).

У меня есть основания желать сохранить этот дом (reason).

Я знал, что моей хозяйки не будет дома, поэтому не имело смысла идти домой (point).

Вэл не имел особых возражений против того, чтобы его видели с Элен (objection).

Даже теперь мысль, что он когда-то разговаривал с ней, странно трогала его (thought).

Он старался скрыть свое удовольствие, когда ему предложили работу (pleasure).

У меня была одна ясная причина не делать этого (reason).