The adverbial modifier of reason

In this function the gerund is introduced by the prepositions because of, for, from, for fear of, on account of, through, owing to.

What would people think of me for letting her go? Что бы подумали обо мне люди из-за того, что я отпустила ее?

She and Penny didn’t even mention her in Edward’s presence for fear of turning the knife in the wound. Ни она, ни Пенни даже не упоминали ее в присутствии Эдуарда, так как боялись сыпать соль на рану.

Exercise 110. Point out the gerund, the gerundial phrase or the gerundial construction used as adverbial modifier of reason. Note the prepositions preceding the adverbial modifier of reason. Translate the sentences into Russian.

MODEL: What will you do with him for deceiving her? Что ты сделаешь с ним за то, что он обманывает ее? (из-за того, что ...)

1. Не can’t understand her for not telling him the truth. 2. They didn’t mention it for fear of offending him. 3. I couldn’t explain anything to him because of him being very nervous. 4. The administration refused to pay the salary on account of the miners’ being on strike. 5. They cancelled the train owing to the railway being blocked. 6. Fred got into trouble through his competitor cheating him. 7. He retired last month because of his mother being very ill. 8. The child looked neglected and unloved but not only from being dressed in rags. 9. The witness says that he couldn’t let the man in on account of his being a stranger. 10. Because of his spending a bomb (to spend a bomb on ... тратить очень много денег на ...) on restaurants and taxies his family couldn’t save any money. 11. Mary couldn’t prepare dinner for having no food at home. 12. Drugs are condemned by society for being a great danger! 13. We managed to solve the problem because of Sid and his parents supporting us. 14. He felt awkward for being late at work every morning. 15. She hid the fact from her parents for fear of being punished.

Exercise 111. Paraphrase the sentences. Use a gerund, a gerundial phrase or a gerundial construction as adverbial modifier of reason.

MODEL: They didn’t arrive in Madrid because they had missed the train. – They didn’t arrive in Madrid for having missed the train.

1. He didn’t find his wallet as he couldn’t remember where he had put it. 2. Ann’s husband couldn’t buy a house because he went bankrupt. 3. Mary was often late for work because her alarm-clock was out of order. 4. Frank managed to find a good job for his ex-boss gave him good advice. 5. They didn’t keep a dog because they were scared that it may hurt their child. 6. He has good information about hotels because he always stays in hotels when travelling. 7. Ellen always arrives on time as her husband gives her a lift. 8. Pete had an earache because he had a cold in the head. 9. Very few students answered the question but not because it was too difficult. 10. John didn’t come to the party for he had to look after his granny. 11. Simon was fired because he was completely incompetent. 12. She didn’t like to go out in the evenings as she was afraid to meet a drunkard.

Exercise 112. How can you account for the following events? Use an adverbial modifier of reason expressed by a gerund, a gerundial phrase or a gerundial construction. Choose the proper preposition: for, for fear of, because of, owing to, on account of.