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ceded by a preposition. It is commonly used as an attribute to abstract nouns.

Everybody must possess the art of being a good neighbour. The child had no difficulty in solving the puzzle. She had the feeling of being deceived.

(4) The gerund as adverbial modifier

When used as adverbial modifier, the gerund is always preceded by a preposition. Its adverbial functions are different from those of the infinitive. It may be used as an adverbial modifier of:

(a) time (after the prepositions after, before, on, in, at)

Before crossing the road stop and look both ways. She hurried home on hearing the news of his arrival. In leaving the house she paused at her son‘s room.

(b) manner (after by, in, without)

He could arouse suspicion by being up so early. She walked quickly without looking back.

(c) reason (after for, owing to, through)

He was in jail for having killed a person in a fight. Through being careless, he met with an accident.

(d) purpose (after for)

The hall was used for dancing.

(e) concession (after in spite of)

In spite of being tired, he continued working.

Exercise 1. Point out the Gerund and comment on its noun and verb characteristics. Translate the sentences into Russian.

1. Talking about ourselves is what we modern authors have a strong objection to doing. 2. He stopped writing and ran out into the bathroom. He started washing with great speed. He was two minutes late already. 3. It‘s silly of me, but I can‘t help feeling anxious. 4. I don‘t like being lied to – and that, I think, is what you are trying to do. 5. I feel a good deal of hesitation about telling you this story of my own. 6. On hearing the sound Nance hurried to the door, and Grand to the window. 7. He left without having paid the bill. 8. Would you mind waiting a moment in the hall? 9. He denied having opened the box. 10. Writing quickly tires my hand. 11. I remember seeing it on the table. 12. He was accused of having entered the country illegally. 13. I disliked my mother‘s interfering in the affair. 14. The boy spent half the night in writing to his people.

Exercise 2. Use the appropriate form of the Gerund of the verbs in brackets.

1. (to speak) without (to think) is (to shoot) without aim. 2. Do you know what is peculiar about the English rule of (to drive)? 3. I‘m glad to say that the lady didn‘t keep us (to wait). 4. I remember (to take) to Paris when I was a very small child. 5. I strongly suspect Gerald of (to know) all about it beforehand, though he swears he didn‘t. 6. Excuse me for not (to write) more at the moment. 7. She never lost the power of (to form) quick decisions. 8. He had an air of (to be) master of his fate, which was his chief attraction. 9. She denied (to see) me at the concert though I‘m sure I saw her in the stalls. 10. I want to thank her for (to look) after the children while I was out. 11. He passed to the front door and out without (to see) us. 12. I enjoy (to read) poetry. 13. I don‘t mind (to stay) here for a little while. 14. Are you going to keep me (to wait) all day? 15. They reproached us for (not to come) to the party; they

were waiting for us the whole evening. 16. He suspected her of (to give) the police information about him while the workers were on strike. 17. I sat on the doorstep thinking over my chances of (to escape) from home. 18. There is very little hope of the work (to do) in time. 19. The coat showed evident signs of (to wear) on the preceding night. 20. (to avoid) the use of the perfect gerund is quite common if there is no fear of (to misunderstand).

Exercise 3. Use the appropriate form of the Gerund and insert prepositions where necessary.

1. Newton, the famous scientist, was sometimes engaged

(to work out) difficult problems. 2. ―There‘s no question (to forgive) you,‖ he said quickly. 3. Of course, I should insist (to pay) for my work. 4. I wonder if there‘s any use (to try) to improve him.

5. We began to speak only when we were out (to hear) of the old man. 6. I insist (to go) there at once. 7. We all suspected him (to learn) it before and (to try) to conceal it from us. 8. They were all busy (to unpack) the books and (to put) them on the shelves. 9. (to hear) the news she ran over to the telephone to inform Gerald at once. 10. But (to make) this request Mr. Dennant avoided (to look) in his face. 11. I spent the rest of the time in the hall of the Station Hotel (to write) letters. 12. You can help me (to give) a piece of good advice, you‘re old enough to know it better. 13. (to discuss) the plan ourselves we decided to consult Mike‘s elder brother who in our eyes was an expert. 14. He hesitated a little (to open) the door. 15. (to hear) the sound of the door opened downstairs he tiptoed into the corridor and bent over the banister. 16. (to see) three little children dancing in the street to their own music he came up nearer to see them better. 17. Excuse me (to come) late.

Exercise 4. Comment on the function of the Gerund in the following sentences.

1. Looking after children requires patience. 2. It is no use discussing it now, we must act. 3. It was no good taking the little

darling up to town, she got only tired. 4. Seeing is believing. 5. What he loves best in the world is playing football. 6. The main thing to do in this situation is getting away as soon as possible. 7. The car began moving away down the road. 8. Every second he kept glancing at the clock. 9. The kind woman started crying before the boy had finished his sad story. 10. However hard he tried he could not stop thinking about it. 11. He enjoyed teaching and knew that he did it well. 12. Do you mind seeing these photos again? 13. I dislike reminding you continually of the things you ought to have done. 14. I can‘t afford buying this expensive hat. 15. Oh, how I dislike being interrupted! 16. He was busy getting ready for his journey. 17. Nobody thought of anything but spending money, and having what they called ―a good time.‖ 18. But instead of soothing

Shelton these words had just the opposite effect. 19. The idea of settling down in that little town filled her with nothing but regret. 20. He was in the habit of dozing after dinner in his favourite armchair. 21. She knew that there was a danger of falling ill. 22. I walked to my place as fast as I could without breaking into a run. 23. Before speaking he carefully thought out what he was going to say. 24. By studying early in the morning he saved a good deal of time. 25. On reading her letter he had once more a feeling of disappointment.

Exercise 5. Use the appropriate form of the Gerund. Insert the prepositions where necessary.

1. Now I can boast (to see) Rome and London, Paris and Athens. 2. How did you like the English rule (to drive) on the left side of the road instead of the right? 3. I hate (to be) ill and (stay) in bed. 4. We all kissed Mother (to go) to bed. 5. I‘m not used (to receive) Christmas presents. 6. At every school she went to she learned drawing, besides (to teach) by her father at home. 7. My wife and I look forward (to see) you and Rosa. 8. The children had to help (to sweep) and (to clean) the rooms and (to wash up) after meals. 9. The doctor left three different medicines with instructions (to give) them. 10. You can improve your pronunciation (to read)

aloud. 11. I went out for a while (to give) the boy the prescribed capsules. 12. You can‘t act (to feel). 13. I dislike the idea (to spend) a holiday with hundreds of other people. 14. (to ask) about it he said he knew nothing. 15. The silence was broken by the sound of a door (to lock). 16. She walked a little (to leave) her office. 17. I remember (to go) to the British Museum one day.

Exercise 6. Use the appropriate form of the Infinitive or the Gerund.

1.A: Have you decided where (to spend) your holiday?

B:Yes. I would like (to go) to a Greek island.

2.A: I hate (to clean) the house.

B:Me too. I wish I could afford (to employ) a cleaner.

3.A: Jane seems (to sleep) for hours.

B:Yes. She must (be) very tired.

4.A: What are you doing this weekend?

B:Well, Tom suggested (to drive) to the seaside.

5.A: Steve claims (to travel) around the world.

B:Yes. He seems (to go) to a lot of places.

6.A: It was nice of John (to visit) us yesterday.

B:Yes. I was happy (to see) him.

7.A: I‘m sure I‘ve failed my exam.

B:Well, there‘s no point in (to worry) until you get your

results.

8.A: We should (to tell) Sue about the party.

B:Yes. We had better (to invite) Tony too.

9.A: Did the police arrest that man?

B:Yes. He admitted to (steal) a car.

10.A: Did you have a nice evening?

B:Not really. I arrived home only (to find) that I‘d left my keys at work.

Exercise 7. Use the appropriate form of the Infinitive or the Gerund.

1. Simon was the last person (to arrive) at the office. 2. She can‘t get used to (to work) for such a large company. 3. It‘s no use (to ask) Paul. He won‘t be able to help you. 4. Peter denied (to break) the classroom window. 5. I will (to feed) the dog this afternoon. 6. We had better (to run) or we will miss the train. 7. It was kind of him (to help) to help me tidy the house. 8. She refused (to answer) his questions. 9. He is far too young (to stay) out late at night. 10. Her teacher let her (bring) her lunch into the classroom.

11. I don‘t mind (to help) you with your homework. 12. We don‘t allow students (to talk) to each other during exams. 13. She dislikes (to wear) suits to work. 14. It was a mistake (to leave) the door unlocked. 15. The thieves were seen (to drive) a stolen car. 16. I advise you (to look for) a new job. 17. There‘s no point in (to get) angry with him it‘s not his fault. 18. I‘ll take a book (to read) on the plane.

Exercise 8. Underline the correct form.

Countries all over the world have superstitions which some people believe and others don‘t. Several superstitions are the same in many countries.

Many people avoid 1) walking/to walk under ladders, as this is believed to bring bad luck. Some people expect things 2) go/to go wrong on the thirteenth day of the month, particularly if it is a Friday. Some say you must never 3) put/to put up an umbrella inside the house or 4) to place/place a pair of new shoes on the table. In many places, it is considered unlucky 5) to see/seeing a black cat, while in others this is thought 6) to be/be a symbol of good luck. 7) Break/Breaking a mirror results in seven years of bad luck and if you spill salt, you must 8) to throw/throw a pinch of it over your left shoulder immediately.

These are just a few superstitions which some people believe

in. Do you know any more?

Exercise 9. Choose the correct answer.

1. ‗…… is very relaxing.‘

‗I don‘t agree. I think it‘s boring.‘

A Fish B Fishing C To fish

2. ‗I can‘t decide what ………………. to the party.‘

3.‗Did you go to the cinema last night?‘

‗No. My parents made me …………… for the exam

4. ‗Did you enjoy your holiday?‘

‗Yes, but I am glad ……………. home again.‘

A being B to be C be

5.‗Shall we go to a restaurant this evening?‘

‗I‘d rather ……………. at home. I‘m exhausted.‘

6.‗Why did you go to the library?‘ ‗……………… some books to read.‘

7.‗Why do you want to buy a car?‘

‗Because I hate ………………. for the bus every day.‘

8. ‗Do you have any plans for the summer?‘

‗Well, Danny suggested ……………… to Spain for a

week.‘

9.‗Shall we go for a picnic on the beach?‘

‗Oh, no! It‘s far too cold ………………. to the beach

today.‘

A going B to go C go

10. ‗What is the matter with Peter?‘

‗There‘s no point in …………….. me. I have no idea.‘

A ask B asking C to ask

Exercise 10. Complete the sentences, as in the example.

1.‗Yes, I‘ll wash your car for you,‘ said Stuart.

Stuart agreed …to wash …my car.

2.Julia said to Tom, ‗I didn‘t eat your sweets.‘ Julia denied ……………………… Sam‘s sweets.

3.‗I scratched the CD,‘ said Sam.

Sam confessed to ……………………. the CD.

4.Amanda said, ‗I hate living in the city.‘

Amanda complained about …………………… in the city.

5.Mrs Smith said to the children, ‗You have until Tuesday to finish your projects.‘

Mrs Smith expects the children ………………………..

their projects by Tuesday.

6.Her mother said, ‗Don‘t touch the iron!‘, but she didn‘t

listen.

Her mother warned her about ………………….. the iron, but she didn‘t listen.

THE GERUNDIAL COMPLEX

When associated with a nominal word (a noun or a pronoun), the gerund forms the so-called gerundial complex. The nominal element may denote a person or a thing; it is expressed in different ways.

(1) If it denotes a thing, it is expressed by the noun in the common case or the pronoun it, this, that.

I didn't know about the train arriving at night. We can‘t

make a decision without this being cleared up.

(2) If it denotes a person, it is expressed by:

(a)the noun in the possessive or the possessive pronoun which is typical of formal English.

I disliked my chief’s interfering in the affair. Can we rely on your assistant’s doing it? I don't approve of his neglecting his duty. It‘s no use their complaining about it.

(b)the noun in the common case or the pronoun in the objective case which is used in spoken and less formal English.

I dislike my mother interfering. She doesn‘t mind her son coming in late. I don‘t like them coming here. Do you remember him paying the money? Did you ever hear of a man of sense rejecting such an offer?

Predicative constructions with the gerund are used in all the functions typical of the gerund. Thus we can speak of a gerundial complex used as subject, object, predicative, attribute or adverbial modifier. A gerundial construction used as subject is often introduced by an anticipatory it.

It was quite unexpected his coming back so soon. Is it worth while your trying to convince him of being wrong?

Exercise 11. Point out complexes with the Gerund and comment on their functions in the following sentences.

1. Do you agree to our taking her up to town and putting her under the best control? 2. His breathing heavily when he greeted her was the result of running up two flights of stairs. 3. Of course I should insist on your accepting the proper professional fee. 4. She was startled by the noise of the outer door being open. 5. ―You know Sven hates your standing down at the door alone,‖ said Minnie. 6. I can‘t bear the thought of the children staying there

alone. 7. We knew nothing of his being a humorous writer. 8. Your being so indifferent irritates me a great deal. 9. We‘ve got a lot of questions to settle before your leaving. 10. What annoyed me most of all was his accepting their proposal quite readily. 11. Nick was very much excited about his favourite cake getting spoiled. 12. I remember in school days he couldn‘t answer the teacher‘s questions without my prompting him. 13. Don‘t think she‘ll approve of your telling me this. 14. His having failed at the entrance examination was a great disappointment to his mother. 15. Uncle Julius insists on my coming to keep him company.

Exercise 12. Transform each pair of sentences into one with the Gerund or a gerundial construction.

1. They are arguing over trifles. It‘s waste of time. 2. My watch doesn‘t keep good time. It needs to be repaired. 3. I remember the man. I met him in London. 4. She is always gossiping. I think she is fond of it. 5. Don‘t interrupt me. I hate it. 6. I couldn‘t answer earlier. Please, forgive me. 7. You‘ve helped me a lot. I‘m so grateful to you. 8. My mother is sure to interfere in my affairs. I‘m against it.. 9. You smoke too much. Give up this habit.

10. I may come in late tonight. Do you mind it? 11. I think you must see the film. It is good. 12. He is sure to settle the matter. You can rely on him. 13. I am afraid to sign the document. I must consult my solicitor. 14. The gang was on trial. They had robbed a mail train. 15. First they interviewed him. Then he was offered the job. 16. John can‘t have left yet. Why, he hasn‘t say good-bye! 17. I‘m being fooled down. I won‘t stand it. 18. You are trying to convince him of that? Is it worth while? 19. Don‘t treat me like that. I‘m not used to it. 20. He was being spied on. He suspected it.

Exercise 13. Use the Gerund instead of subordinate clauses. Insert prepositions if necessary.

1. I remember Mother reprimanded me when I spoiled her favourite fish-cake. 2. We recommended that work should start at