The Gerund

I. Translate the sentences into Russian, find the gerund and define its form:

1. I think of spending my next summer holidays in the Crimea [kraɪ’mɪә].

2. We didn’t succeed in getting tickets for the footfall match.

3. On learning that my friend was ill I went to see him at once.

4. There was little hope of winning the contest.

5. Ann is always afraid of catching cold.

6. Swimming in hot weather is always pleasant.

7. When will you finish reading this book?

8. Do you mind my closing the window?

9. Before leaving for London I will let you know.

10. This film is not worth seeing. It’s dull.

11. It is no use translating the article again. It has once been translated.

12. The risk of taking part in the contest was great.

13. There are many places in the City of London.

14. Russian educators are constantly engaged in seeking new and more satisfactory ways of keeping education in tune with times.

15. Some parents prefer keeping their children under the supervision and care of their grandmothers.

16. I wonder why he objects to our helping him.

17. Smoking costs a lot of money.

18. The house wants repairing.

19. We thank you for sending us your letter.

20. I have three shirts that need washing.

II. Use gerunds instead of infinitives in brackets and translate the sentences into Russian:

1. Are you fond of (to play) tennis?

2. He began (to play) the piano two years ago.

3. I object to (to discuss) this question at the meeting.

4. We had much difficulty in (to translate) the article.

5. I remember (to tell) them about it.

6. I like the idea of (to organize) a shooting contest.

7. There is no chance of (to get) tickets for this football match.

8. I think of (to take part) in the forthcoming conference.

9. Do you mind my (to leave) you for a moment?

10. I don’t mind (to gather) at Peter’s place tomorrow.

11. Go on (to read).

12. This book is not worth (to read).

13. I was afraid of (to be late) for the meeting.

14. The children are good at (to swim).

15. We enjoy (to skate) in winter.

III. Translate into English using the models below:

Model I: I can’t help laughing. Я не могу не смеяться.

- не сказать вам об этом;

- не принимать участие в этом состязании;

- не любить их.

Model II: It’s no use going there. Бесполезно идти туда.

- искать эту книгу;

- пытаться сделать это еще раз;

- собирать всех студентов сейчас.

Мodel III: We enjoyed hearing that opera. Мы получили удовольствие, слушая эту оперу.

- слушая вашу музыку;

- читая эту книгу;

- участвуя в соревновании.

Model IV: Do you mind going home now? Вы не возражаете пойти домой?

- пойти в столовую;

- собраться у него;

- пообедать;

- остаться здесь.

Model V: I remember seeing him. Помню, что видел его.

- давал ей книгу;

- учил эти слова;

- разговаривал с ним.

IV. Use the correct form of the Gerund:

1. simple or perfect:

1. One can see at a glance that an art student is given every opportunity of (to gain) good knowledge.

2. M. Vasnetsov is famous for (to paint) many pictures the subject matter of which is fairy tales. He achieved much sincerity in (to reproduce) real life.

3. We are thankful to you for (to meet) them at the theatre.

4. She never spoke of (to spend) her early childhood in the country.

5. We are proud of (to enter) the Solikamsk State Pedagogical Institute (the department of the Perm State National Research University).

6. Students should avoid (to miss) classes.

7. He denied ever (to see) those people before.

2. active or passive:

1. I never thought of (to invite) to the party.

2. She was in the habit of (to get up) very early.

3. The boy was afraid of (to punish) for (to misbehave).

4. She is far from (to share) your point of view.

5. The noise prevented us from (to hear) each other.

6. I do not mind (to give) this work, I hope I’ll enjoy (to do) it.

7. He couldn’t help (to smile) at the thought of (to watch) for such a long time.

V. Make the gerundial construction instead of the subordinate clause using the prepositions in brackets:

Model: When I came home, I called him up (on).

On coming home I called him up.

1. Before we go to the club we often call for them (before).

2. The students developed their speaking skills because they constantly practised their English (through).

3. We arrived at the station, we saw that the train had left (on).

4. Before I go to bed I usually listen to the latest news (before).

5. You will never know English well unless you learn grammar (without).

6. While you were reading the text, you made a few sound mistakes (in).

7. When he entered the room, he greeted everybody (on).

8. You can improve your pronunciation if you work at it regularly (by).

VI. Change the following sentences using gerundial constructions instead of subordinate clauses:

1. He denied that she had doubted his words.

2. Do you object if I speak Russian?

3. She had no idea that he was good at Mathematics.

4. Julia suggested that they should go down.

5. She insisted we should put off the conference.

6. I would not mind if the children go to the park now.

7. Ray was surprised that Grace had written him a letter.

8. We have no hope that they would cope with the task.

9. That she was at home was a bit of luck for us.

VII. Join two sentences into one using the Gerund:

1. She entered the classroom. She greeted the teacher.

2. The girl left home. She didn’t lock the door.

3. I learned the words. I pronounced them aloud.

4. They listened attentively. They didn’t interrupt.

5. We didn’t miss the train. We took a taxi.

6. He sat at the table. He didn’t eat anything.

7. We wrote the test. We listened to the teacher’s explanation first.

8. She went to the South. She consulted the doctor before.

9. He heard this piece of news. He was greatly surprised.

10. They discussed the problem. Then they adopted a resolution.

VIII. Fill in the blanks with the necessary prepositions:

1. The child comes to school psychologically prepared … learning new things.

2. We were most grateful to the guide … showing us the sights of the city.

3. Who’s responsible … arranging the party?

4. I can’t make out the reason … their refusing.

5. He never thought … entering the university so easily.

6. Children ought to be prevented … being left alone.

7. The mother found out that her daughter was good … reciting poems.

8. They are engaged … discussing the plan.

9. He was afraid … being misunderstood.

10. You may improve your English … working hard at it.

IX. Translate the words in brackets into English using the Gerund:

1. Do you mind my (курение) here?

2. Leonid is against (чтобы оставаться) there long.

3. (Гулять) in such weather is very pleasant.

4. I am afraid of (стрелять).

5. We enjoyed (читая) this book.

6. Our students think of (поехать) to the country next Sunday.

7. Let’s go on (работать) at this problem.

8. They do not mind (пойти) to the cinema now.

9. I remember (видеть) that film.

10. Will you stop (говорить, болтать)?

4. Use the correct form of the Gerund:

1. I think we must discuss the problem before (to make) a decision.

2. At (to see) her he stopped to talk.

3. On (to enter) the room I switched on the light.

4. The lady ended the letter by (to ask) the young writer to have a lunch with her.

5. The patient was sent to hospital after (to examine).

6. In spite of (to live) alone she had a very good time at home.

7. You’d better do something instead of (while away) the time like this.

8. Take your time before (to answer).

9. On (to hear) the telephone ring I went to answer the call.

10. He left without (to say) good-bye.

4. Finish the following sentences using the Gerunds:

1. I am interested in … .

2. She couldn’t help … .

3. The play is worth … .

4. It’s no good … .

5. What’s the use of … .

6. We must go on … .

7. Everyone enjoyed … .

8. I’m not used to … .

9. Do you mind …?

10. I’m looking forward to … .

11. Take our umbrella, it looks … .

12. … they began to laugh.

4. Make the following sentences simple using the Gerund:

1. Before he left the town he called on his friend.

2. I remember that we have seen him only once.

3. She suggested that we should go on a hike.

4. Do you mind if I take your dictionary for a moment?

5. We must consider the matter thoroughly before we come to any conclusion.

6. When the girl entered the room, she looked at the faces of the unknown people.

7. We can’t get used to the fact that we must get up so early now.

8. When he received another letter from her he changed his mind.

4. Fill in the blanks with a suitable gerund:

   1. I dislike to the movies by myself.

   2. We started dinner without you.

   3. I can’t imagine my own house.

   4. I used that television show all the time.

   5. I always eat breakfast before to school.

   6. When do you practice English?

   7. My grandmother prefers science fiction books.

   8. You need harder this year.

   9. I am used to her in a bad mood.

   10. Have you talked to the dentist about your teeth?

XIV. Write sentences using the right type of the Complex Object made of the words given in brackets.

1. We knew (he, to be) a successful businessman.

2. Do you imagine (she, to work) late at night?

3. She couldn’t bear (the, child, to cry).

4. The doctor recommended (the room, to air).

5. She wanted (I, to tell) her the truth.

6. I kept silent and watched (they, to play) chess.

7. I’ve never seen (he, to smile).

8. I looked up and saw (she, to cry).

9. I heard (she, to play) the piano.

10. The teacher advised (we, to use) dictionaries.

XV. Answer the questions using gerunds:

1. What books do you consider worth reading?

2. What are you fond of doing?

3. Do you enjoy travelling by air?

4. Which do you like better, playing the piano or singing?

5. What is your mother busy doing now?

6. What are you looking forward to?

7. Do you feel like going to the river when it is hot?

8. What do you do when you feel tired of doing something?

9. What ways of learning English do you find most effective?

XVI. Translate into English.

1. Она почувствовала, что кто-то наблюдает за ней.

2. Всем хотелось, чтобы она спела свою любимую песню.

3. Где вы чистите одежду?

4. Она отремонтировала свои часы в ближайшей часовой мастерской.

5. Мальчик видел, как родители выходили из комнаты.

6. Мы ожидали, что он напишет нам как можно скорее.

7. Они продолжали разговаривать.

8. Вы не должны откладывать решение этого вопроса.

9. Студенты сейчас заняты подготовкой к экзаменам.

10. Он предложил купить билеты на концерт.

11. Эту статью стоит прочитать еще раз.

12. Им удалось осуществить свой план.

13. Я давно мечтала побывать в Эрмитаже.

14. Перестаньте разговаривать, вы мешаете нам слушать.

15. Я помню, что когда-то читал этот роман.

XVII. Translate into English:

1. Студенты были против того, чтобы экзамен перенесли.

2. Вы не возражаете, если я воспользуюсь вашим телефоном?

3. Никто не отрицает, что он одаренный ученик.

4. Все удивились, что она опоздала.

5. Вы можете положиться на нас, мы присмотрим за вашими детьми.

6. Я не помню, чтобы он говорил об этом.

7. Мы полагаемся на то, что вы нам поможете.

8. Вы должны заставить его извиниться за то, что он подвел всех.

9. Сначала мать возражала против того, чтобы ее дочь выходила замуж за Ника.

10. Я уверена, что он читал эту книгу.

11. Дети привыкли к тому, что им читают книги на ночь.

12. Я настаиваю на том, чтобы меня выслушали.

13. Она продолжала спорить, вместо того чтобы согласиться с ними.

14. Они не возражали пройтись пешком.

15. Подумайте как следует, прежде чем отвечать.

XVIII. Choose the right variant:

1. After the accident, the injured man recovered consciousness in hospital; he remembered ________ the road, but he didn’t remember ________ down.

a) having crossed / being knocked;

b) crossing / being knocked;

c) crossing / knocking.

2. I am still thirsty in spite of _______ four cups of tea.

a) having drunk;

b) having been drunk;

c) drinking.

3. This carpet always looks dirty, in spite of _______ every day.

a) having been swept;

b) being swept;

c) sweeping.

4. He didn’t return the book he had borrowed after _______ to do so.

a) having been promised;

b) having promised;

c) promising.

5. He got into the house through a window, without _______ by anyone.

a) being seen;

b) having been seen;

c) having seen.

6. I think he was foolish to a car before ________ how to drive it.

a) having learned;

b) learning;

c) having been learned.

7. Peter is a much better chess-player than I am, and he was very surprised when I beat him yesterday for the first time – he isn’t used to _______ .

a) beating;

b) being beaten;

c) having been beaten.

8. He went to bed at 9 p.m. in spite of _______ all the afternoon.

a) having been slept;

b) sleeping;

c) having slept.

9. He complained of _______ a very small room at the back of the hotel.

a) having been given;

b) giving;

c) having given.

10. The windows are very dirty, they need _______ .

a) having been cleaned;

b) being cleaning;

c) cleaning.