Gerundial phrases

Gerundial phrases (= gerundial constructions) consist of the following elements:

nominal element + gerund + elements depending on the gerund

e.g. I remember Mary’s performing at the concert. = Я помню, как Мэри выступала на концерте. / Я пам'ятаю, як Мэри виступала на концерті.

• Mary’s – a nominal element

• performing – a gerund

• at the concert – other elements depending on the gerund

The nominal element can be expresses by:

1. a noun in the common case, e.g.

   • I remember the weather being extremely fine that summer. = Я помню, что в то лето была удивительно хорошая погода. / Я пам'ятаю, що в те літо була дивно гарна погода.

   • I remember Peter telling me this joke. = Я помню, как Питер рассказывал мне эту шутку. / Я пам'ятаю, як Питер розповідав мені цей жарт.

2. a noun in the possessive case, e.g.

• Dana enjoyed John’s playing the piano. = Дана получала удовольствие от того, как Джон играл на пианино. / Дана була захоплена тім, як Джон грав на піаніно.

• Sam resented Debbie's coming late to the dinner. = Сэм был возмущен тем, что Дэбби опоздала на обед. / Сэм був обурений тим, що Дэбби спізнилася на обід. /

• We discussed the machine's being broken. = Мы обсуждали тот факт, что машина была сломана. / Ми обговорювали той факт, що машина була зламана.

3. a possessive pronoun, e.g.

• We all appreciate your helping us. = Мы все ценим то, как вы нам помогли. / Ми все цінуємо те, як ви нам допомогли.

• She understood his saying no to the offer.

4. a pronoun in the objective case, e.g. Imagine him talking to her like that! = Представь, что он разговаривает с ней таким образом! / Представ, що він розмовляє з нею в такий спосіб! /

Note 1: There is a slight difference between using a noun in the common case or a pronoun in the objective case and using a noun in the possessive case or a possessive pronoun: the former emphasizes the action, while the latter highlights the doer of this action, compare:

Emphasis on the doer of the action	Emphasis on the process
I remember Peter telling me this joke. – It was Peter who I remember. I remember the weather being extremely fine that summer. – It was the fine weather that I remember.	Dana enjoyed John’s playing the piano. – It was mostly the process of playing that I enjoyed. We all appreciate your helping us. –It was the help that was important.

Note 2: Do not confuse gerundial phrases and Complex Object with Participle I. Remember that both gerunds and complex object depend on the verbs after which they are used. Compare:

Gerundial Phrase	Participle I in Complex Object (after definite groups of verbs)
Kate remembered the cat falling from the tree and hurting herself. (the cat – a nominal element; falling – a gerund)	Kate saw the cat falling from the tree and hurting herself. (to see – a verb of sense perception)

TASK 1. Decide if the statements given below are true or false.

1. Like the infinitive the gerund can serve as an adverbial modifier.

2. In the sentence ‘Travelling is always exciting for a child.’ the gerund demonstrates its verbal features as it is the subject of the sentence.

3. In the sentence ‘Jim’s girl-friend stopped answering his letters and he was very much upset.’ the gerund is non-perfect passive.

4. Gerund can be modified by an adverb.

5. Gerund has the category of mood.

6. Gerund can be used as the subject of the sentence.

7. In the sentence ‘Excuse me for having given you so much trouble.’ the gerund is perfect continuous active.

8. Gerund can be preceded by a preposition.

9. Gerundial phrases include a noun or a pronoun, a gerund and some other elements depending on it.

10. In the sentence ‘Do you remember this fact having been mentioned?’ the gerund is perfect passive.

TASK 2. Define the form of the gerund translate the sentences into your mother tongue. Choose the forms from:

a) Non-perfect active (NPA) b) Non-perfect passive (NPP)

c) Perfect active (PA) d) Perfect passive (PP)

1. Your idea is worth considering.

2. Do you remember having mentioned the fact to anyone?

3. After having been signed by the executive director, the documents were sent to the suppliers.

4. The old man never mentioned having spoken to the headmaster about the boy’s behaviour.

5. Before drinking this water requires filtering.

6. After having been thoroughly examined by the doctor, the old lady was taken to hospital.

7. Steve managed to sneak to his bedroom without being seen.

8. Dick never forgave his wife for having deceived him with his best friend.

9. Nobody likes being laughed at.

10. Thank you so much for putting up with all my idiosyncrasies.

11. Fred will always regret having uttered those offensive words.

12. I remember the weather being extremely fine that summer.

13. Your suggestion is worth talking over.

14. Fancy us having to walk a mile in a wind like this.

15. All depends on the doctor being sent for in time.

16. The teacher was displeased with the boys being noisy.

17. Happiness consists largely in having true friends.