7.4.2. The Gerund

Ex. 298. Find gerunds in the following sentences and state their noun and verb characteristics. Translate the sentences into your native language.

1. Traveling abroad can be exciting enough, but just now it is more exciting being here. 2. She stopped answering my letters and I wondered what the matter might be. 3. Can you recall having mentioned the fact to anyone? 4. Thorpe was terrified, terrified of having to touch something, and even more, of being touched (S.H.). 5. Young Jolyon, on the point of leaving the club, had put on his hat, and was in the act of crossing the hall, as the porter met him (Glsw.). 6. After having been rejected by a dozen of magazines, they (the stories) had come to rest in the Globe office (J.L.). 7. I wonder at Jolyon’s allowing the engagement (Glsw.). 8. I understand perfectly your waiting to leave (F.F.). 9. People will talk, there is no preventing it (Ph.Sh.). 10. The host broke the awkward silence by inviting the guests to proceed to the dining room. 11. This is laying the blame at the wrong door. 12. On being told the news she gave a gasp of surprise. 13. The idea is worth considering.

Ex. 299. Open the brackets using the correct form of the gerund.

1. After the accident, the injured man recovered consciousness in hospital. He remembered (to cross) the road, but he didn’t remember (to knock down). 2. This carpet always looks dirty in spite of (to sweep) every day. 3. He didn’t return the book he had borrowed after (to promise) to do so. 4. I am still thirsty in spite of (to drink) four cups of tea. 5. He got into the house by (to climb) through the window without (to see) by anyone. 6. I think he was foolish to buy a car before (to learn) how to drive it. 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 (to beat). 8. He went to bed at 9 p.m. in spite of (to sleep) all the afternoon. 9. He complained of (to give) a very small room at the back of the hotel. 10. The little girl isn’t afraid of dogs in spite of (to bite) twice. 11. The little girl didn’t go near the dog; she was afraid of (to bite). 12. The baby went to sleep a few minutes after (to feed). 13. The little girl never gets tired of (to ask) her mother questions, but her mother often gets tired of (to ask) so many questions. 14. They lived in a small town for ten years and then moved without (to make) friends with any of their neighbours. 15. The little boy was punished for (to tell) a lie by (to send) to bed without his supper. 16. Mary was chosen a year ago to act in the school play. She was very pleased at (to choose). 17. Jack doesn’t like boxing. I don’t know if he is afraid of (to hurt) his opponent or (to hurt) himself. 18. He was taken to hospital unconscious after the accident. He died in hospital without (to recover) consciousness. 19. I always treat people politely and insist on (to treat) politely. 20. She didn’t get out of bed until ten o’clock in spite of (to wake up) at seven.

Ex. 300. Choose between the infinitive and the gerund to use it as a direct object.

A. 1. Her sister-in-law certainly needed (to look) after. 2. We can’t afford (to waste) time. 3. I can’t help (to like) Sophie. 4. Arthur had managed (to do) it his way. 5. I couldn’t resist (to buy) such a lovely hat. 6. She says she can’t imagine not (to hear) his key in the lock. 7. I couldn’t understand why, the previous summer, he had given up (to attempt) (to see) Roger. 8. He denied (to know) anything about the missing document. 9. You certainly mustn’t miss (to see) this wonderful film. 10. I wondered if you felt like (to come) out for a dance. 11. She put off (to break) the news to her father. 12. He got out of bed and prepared (to shave).

B. 1. Dick was very anxious (to go), and I was rather hurt (to find) Clare apparently equally keen (to do) so. 2. Words have weight, sound and appearance; it is only by considering these that you can write a sentence that is good (to look) at and good (to listen) to. 3. His brother’s emotion was not easy (to discern). 4. His proposition was worth (to consider). 5. Everyone in this room is competent (to express) an opinion. 6. The picture is definitely worth (to buy). 7. You see, a lot of us are prone (to forget) it. 8. The girl was very wise (to take) her advice. 9. He was busy (to work) at the new play. 10. I was fascinated (to watch) the two of them together. 11. Charles was slow (to see) what Mr. March was feeling. 12. The little girl was busy (to tear) out pages from the telephone directory. 13. It must be admitted that this writer is not hard (to imitate).

Ex. 301. Translate the following sentences into English using infinitives or gerunds as direct objects.

1. Роботу все ще важко було знайти (hard). 2. Її руки тремтіли, ніби вона ось-ось заплаче (ready). 3. Її посмішка швидко зникла. “Твій прихід – чистісіньке божевілля” (crazy). 4. Він потиснув мені руку: “Я жалкую, що змушений іти” (sorry). 5. Ця пісня варта того, щоб її записати на магнітофон (worth). 6. Він швидко зрозумів, що трапилось (quick). 7. Важко було спостерігати за їх суперечкою (hard). 8. Раніше чи пізніше, але ви обов’язково про це почуєте (certain). 9. В такий день щось неодмінно мало трапитись (sure). 10. Він був дуже задоволений, що застав брата вдома (delighted). 11. Скоріше за все, я не зроблю цього (likely). 12. Такі результати отримати неможливо (impossible). 13. Він глибоко пишався знайомством з нею (proud).

Ex. 302. Choose between the infinitive and the gerund to use it as a direct object after verbs that admit of both forms.

1. She tried (to take) an interest in my work. 2.When I learned to write I tried (to alter) words or the order in which they were set. 3. Why didn’t you try (to find) yourself a job? 4. She tried (to knit), but her fingers were numb. 5. Margaret and I were upset and the others went on (to try) (to cheer) us up. 6. The article went on (to say) that Miss MacLean was born in Dublin and still had relations living there. 7. He proposed (to go) to the theatre that night, but Elisa said she was tired. 8. I propose (to buy) a boat with the money. 9. I must remember (to tell) the others not to mention it to Willy. 10. Yes, I remember (to see) the letter on the mantle piece. 11. The general never forgot (to take) his boys out for a drive one Sunday day in June. 12. Don’t forget (to lock) the door when you decide to go to bed. 13. I liked (to play) with the dog. 14. I liked (to have) lodgings of my own where I could be by myself.

Ex. 303. Supply the necessary prepositions for the gerunds used as prepositional objects in the following sentences.

A. 1. Jones insisted … shaking hands. 2. I take all the blame … not seeing further than my nose. 3. She glanced up … marking a pile of papers, and said: “Hello, Hugh”. 4. Unfortunately, I haven’t succeeded … making such an impression on you. 5. He made a point … never sounding disappointed. 6. His mission had very little to do … winning the war. 7. He had never had much difficulty … getting jobs. The trouble had always been … keeping them. 8. She thanked him … taking her out. 9. He did not object … seeing Mark. 10. If he persists … marrying the girl, it will mean absolute ruin for him. 11. She took … wearing jeans. 12. When asked what his father did in life, the boy answered, ‘My father works … keeping the world … having another war’. 13. I shall look forward … seeing your book. 14. I thought … taking a trip up the Scandinavian coast.

B. 1. The man of letters is accustomed … writing. 2. I became aware of the specific benefit I was capable … getting from the travel. 3. Mrs. Attlee was very skilful … directing the table talk away from her daughter. 4. Some people were nice … turning me down. 5. I’m sick … doing things for you. 6. You seem upset … losing Jones. 7. I don’t say I’m proud … cheating him out of 300 dollars. 8. Your colleagues are good … keeping a secret, aren’t they? 9. He is usually fairly careful … making his statements. 10. He is quite excited … being among us again. 11. It was five minutes later than my usual bedtime and I felt guilty … being still up. 12. She was very quick … finding out things. 13. Dolly seemed relieved … not having to make a scene. 14. I tried to be as nice as possible … refusing. 15. You seem very fond … saying things behind my back. 16. But he was slow … replying. 17. He selected a dingy little place where he felt sure … not meeting any acquaintances.

Ex. 304. Use the required form of the gerund in its function of a prepositional object in the following sentences.

1. Since the age of four, I have been used to (to live) with ideas. 2. I was not used to (to entertain) by a sensitive and nervous host. 3. How proud I was of (to invent) the code. 4. I was tired of always (to wear) charity clothes. 5. In the morning she was ashamed of herself for (to be) so rude the night before. 6. He’s merely used to (to tell) what he wants to know. 7. He was grateful to Finch for (to persuade) him to come. 8. But they are used to (to deal) with real men. 9. She wasn’t fond of (to interview). 10. At the time I was very keen on (to get) an independent income.

Ex. 305. Translate the sentences into English using gerunds as prepositional objects.

1. Ти справді вмієш тримати язика за зубами (good). 2. Я пишався тим, що був корисним для нього (proud). 3. Я знав, що він не здатний приймати рішення (capable). 4. Лікар звик слухати різних людей (used). 5. Шкода, що потурбував вас (sorry). 6. Я більше ніж ти зацікавлений у тому, щоб її знайти (interested). 7. Я впевнений, що ти здатний контролювати цю ситуацію (capable). 8. Мені набридло робити те, що мені дуже важко робити (tired). 9. Я був здивований з того, що він взагалі одружився (surprised). 10. Я був трохи розчарований тим, що не зустрів Чарльза (disappointed). 11. Вона була вдячна йому за те, що він зрозумів, що вона не хоче говорити про себе (grateful). 12. Він був роздратований на неї за те, що вона втягнула його в цю сварку. 13. Йому подобалося гуляти під дощем (fond). 14. Він не здатний брехати (incapable).

Ex. 306. Open the brackets using gerunds as objects; add prepositions where necessary.

1. She was afraid (to miss) Miller in the crowd. 2. He was fond (to say) “The superstition of today is the science of yesterday”. 3. Thank you (to call). 4. On the way home Sally insisted (to stop) in front of our college. 5. I remember (to hear) her complain to Joe. 6. The box was stoutly made and resisted (to open). 7. I am sick and tired (to drink) tea without milk. 8. Surely that prevents the day (to be) ordinary. 9. I intend (to do) it tomorrow. 10. Would you mind (to sit) over there? 11. Now I resolved, if possible, to avoid (to be) alone with any of these men, these strangers. 12. I can prove I am quite capable (to deal) with the matter.

Ex. 307. Translate into English using gerunds as objects.

1. Я дуже втомилася сидіти вдома. 2. Він здібний до вивчення мов. 3. Я отримую велике задоволення, коли читаю ваші вірші. 4. Коли Джон зателефонував, ми були зайняті підготовкою до полювання. 5. Я хочу що-небудь почитати. 6. Коли діти повернулися зі школи, я була зайнята приготуванням обіду. 7. Я пам’ятаю, що мені розповідали про цей випадок. 8. Туди варто піти негайно. 9. Я ненавиджу приїздити в порожню оселю. 10. Вона не любила, коли їй несправедливо чимось докоряли. 11. Він слухав наказ, ні про що не питаючи. 12. Йому не подобалася моя ідея одній їхати на Кавказ.

Ex. 308. Fill in the blanks with the necessary prepositions using gerunds as adverbial modifiers.

1. Cindy glanced up, then away, … answering. 2. Lize was able to make her own living … working at the factory. 3. Poirot looked up at the staircase … passing, and shook his head in a dissatisfied manner. 4. Tom considered … answering. 5. He found an endless excitement … looking at their faces and hearing them speak. 6. Can’t we even laugh properly … having trouble? 7. Was he trying to escape … disguising himself? 8. Mayor Pennymann went on … noticing her interruption. 9. You might ruin all my life … breaking your promise. 10. … leaving the room Tom ran into his best friend Joe. 11. … shaking hands with a stranger he wanted to show his friendliness. 12. We might be fined … going too fast.

Ex. 309. Translate the sentences using gerunds as adverbial modifiers.

1. Він все обміркував перед тим, як відповісти. 2. Я стала багато писати, щоб поліпшити орфографію. 3. Почувши, що Олена приїхала, я вирішила побачитись з нею. 4. Коли він отримав листа від брата, він поїхав першим поїздом. 5. Він знайшов багато цікавих виразів, коли читав цю книгу. 6. Поснідавши, він повернувся до своєї кімнати. 7. Коли я вийшов з хати, я побачив свого шкільного товариша. 8. Я втомилася від того, що багато читала, і вирішила посидіти трохи в садочку. 9. Після двох годин читання він поклав валізу на коліна і почав щось писати. 10. Коли вона переписувала слова, то деякі пропустила. 11. Я закінчила, сказавши, що швидко повернуся.

Ex. 310. Point out Gerundial complexes 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. Her being sent to London was quite unexpected to us. 3. I like your being attentive in class. 4. I didn’t know of your having been so deeply impressed by my words. 5. Excuse my interrupting you. 6. Excuse my having interrupted you. 7. We know nothing of his having published the article. 8. We were sure of the bridge having been destroyed during the stormy night. 9. We thought of their improving methods of production. 10. We have never heard of his having belonged to this scientific society. 11. Your being so indifferent irritates me a great deal. 12. His having failed at the entrance examination was a great disappointment to his mother.

Ex. 311. Translate the sentences into English using Gerundial complexes.

1. Уяви собі, їй хотілося знати, що його турбує. 2. Він наполягає, щоб я тримала вікна відчиненими незалежно від погоди. 3. Ви не заперечуєте, якщо я попрацюю сьогодні у вашому кабінеті? 4. Я здивована, що ви залишили маленького хлопчика одного вдома. 5. Ви пам’ятаєте, вона говорила вам, що її чоловік інженер? 6. Я не можу уявити, щоб ви так довго сиділи в читальному залі. 7. Здавалося, що мені не було потреби залишатися в Москві. 8. Цікаво, як вона потрапила в дім так, що ми її не бачили. 9. Те, що він був іноземець, який не знав жодного слова англійською, було вже погано. 10. Її думки були, нарешті, перервані тим, що двері тихенько відчинилися. 11.Те, що вона заперечувала очевидним фактам, працювало на користь її суперникам. 12. Ви не будете заперечувати, якщо я запишу вашу адресу. 13. Він наполягав на тому, щоб мене супроводили додому. 14. Дякую, що ви подзвонили моїй матусі. 15. Я втомилася слухати його вказівки. 16. Дякую, що ви прийшли вчасно.