The gerundial predicative constructions
§
135. The gerundial
predicative construction is a predicative complex in which the
nominal part is generally a noun/noun-pronoun in the possessive case
or a possessive pronoun. Sometimes, however, it may be a
noun/noun-pronoun in the common case or a personal pronoun in the
objective case. The construction may function as different parts of
the sentence:
1.
Subject. It is used
either with or without the introductory
it.
Your
doing nothing won’t
help anybody.
Is
it worth while your
quarrelling all the time?
2.
Predicative.
The
only way out will be his
taking the job.
3.
Object. The
construction may be either a direct object
to a verb or an
indirect non-recipient object to a verb or adjective.
She
liked his worrying
about his wife.
He
insisted on my
claims being acknowledged.
4.
Attribute. The
construction is generally used with the preposition of,
althougt other prepositions are also possible.
The
prospect of someone
else getting a job
moved them to strong moral indignation.
5.
Adverbial modifier:
a)
of time.
After
his being away for some time
the crisis came.
b) of attendant circumstances.
The
car slid away without
my having to say anything.
c)
of concession.
In
spite of it being cold
the bushes swarmed with insects.
In
this function the construction is always introduced by a preposition.
