Lesson 34

Grammar. Gerund

A gerund is a verbal that ends in -ing and functions as a noun. The term verbal indicates that a gerund, like the other two kinds of verbals, is based on a verb and therefore expresses action or a state of being.

However, since a gerund functions as a noun, it occupies some positions in a sentence that a noun ordinarily would, for example: subject, direct object, subject complement, and object of preposition.

Gerund as subject:

Traveling might satisfy your desire for new experiences. (Traveling is the gerund.)

The study abroad program might satisfy your desire for new experiences. (The gerund has been removed.)

Gerund as direct object:

They do not appreciate my singing. (The gerund is singing.)

They do not appreciate my assistance. (The gerund has been removed.)

Gerund as subject complement:

My cat’s favorite activity is sleeping. (The gerund is sleeping.)

My cat’s favorite food is salmon. (The gerund has been removed.)

Gerund as object of preposition:

The police arrested him for speeding. (The gerund is speeding.)

The police arrested him for criminal activity. (The gerund has been removed.)

A Gerund Phrase is a group of words consisting of a gerund and the modifier(s) and / or (pro)noun(s) or noun phrase(s) that function as the direct object(s), indirect object(s), or complement(s) of the action or state expressed in the gerund, such as:

The gerund phrase functions as the subject of the sentence.

Finding a needle in a haystack would be easier than what we’re trying to do.

Finding (gerund) a needle (direct object of action expressed in gerund) in a haystack (prepositional phrase as adverb)

The gerund phrase functions as the direct object of the verb appreciate.

I hope that you appreciate my offering you this opportunity.

• my (possessive pronoun adjective form, modifying the gerund)

• offering (gerund)

• you (indirect object of action expressed in gerund)

• this opportunity (direct object of action expressed in gerund)

The gerund phrase functions as the subject complement.

Newt’s favorite tactic has been lying to his constituents.

• lying to (gerund)

• his constituents (direct object of action expressed in gerund)

The gerund phrase functions as the object of the preposition for.

You might get in trouble for faking an illness to avoid work. faking (gerund) an illness (direct object of action expressed in gerund) to avoid work (infinitive phrase as adverb)

The gerund phrase functions as the subject of the sentence.

Being the boss made Jeff feel uneasy.

Being (gerund) the boss (subject complement for Jeff, via state of being expressed in gerund)

Punctuation

A gerund virtually never requires any punctuation with it.

Points to remember:

A gerund is a verbal ending in -ing that is used as a noun.

A gerund phrase consists of a gerund plus modifier(s), object(s), and / or complement(s).

Gerunds and gerund phrases virtually never require punctuation.

What are the gerunds formed from "shop”, "make”, "please”,

"hope”, "hop”, "hurt”, "beat”, "judge”, "write”, "filter”, "fry”, "shoot”?

Rewrite the sentences using Gerund.

1) It is difficult to read Japanese.

2) It is essential for a business person to have a laptop computer.

3) It is depressing to be poor.

4) It was exciting to climb the Eiffel Tower.

5) It will be hard to pass the test.

Complete the sentences with the gerund form of the verbs in parentheses.

1) She is good at (dance) __ .

2) He is crazy about (sing) __ .

3) I don’t like (play) __ cards.

4) They are afraid of (swim) __ in the sea.

5) You should give up (smoke) __ .

6) Sam dreams of (be) __ a popstar.

7) He is interested in (make) __ friends.

8) My uncle is afraid of (go) __ by plane.

9) We insist on (cook) __ the dinner ourselves.

Fill in the sentences with Gerund.

1) I can’t help (feel) __ worried about the situation in the Middle East.

2) I think most people prefer (ride) __ in comfortable cars to (walk) __ .

3) She loves (swim) __ in the lake.

4) There’s no (deny) __ that he enjoys (listen) __ to his own voice.

5) Don’t keep on (shout) __ like that; you will wake up your mother.

6) I enjoy (rest) __ in the afternoon after (try) __ to finish (do) __ my English homework.

7) She likes (begin) __ pieces of knitting but hates (finish) __ them.

8) I dread (take) __ examinations for fear of (fail) __ .

9) I couldn’t resist (buy) __ the lovely apples.

10) I wouldn’t miss (see) __ that lovely film for the world!

Complete the sentences by using a preposition and the words in brackets. Remember that verbs should be put into the gerund form as they follow a preposition.

Stephen decided on chicken instead __ (order / steak).

I’m interested __ (watch / film) by Ken Loach.

He apologised __ (be / late).

I certainly can’t blame you __ (not / want) to come.

Magda’s thinking __ (study / England).

We are really very excited __ (hike / Andes) this coming summer.

Simon isn’t really used __ (walk / work).

We thanked them __ (drive / us / home) after the football game.

Could you please tell me who is responsible __ (accept / applications)?

I’m sure she has a good reason __ (not / be / here).

Fill in the gaps with Gerund or Infinitive.

1) I had to ask the boys (stop) __ (ride) __ their mini-scooters in the corridor.

2) Don’t start (try) __ (learn) __ algebra before you have finished (learn) __ (do) __ simple things in arithmetic.

3) We can’t think of (buy) __ a new house before (sell) __ the old one.

4) I’d love (have) __ the opportunity of (meet) __ you again.

5) Our teacher has promised (help) __ us (prepare) __ for next week’s test.

6) I hate (get up) __ early in winter and (get ready) __ in the dark.

7) If you can’t fix that old thing, try (hit) __ it with a hammer!

8) I saw her (sit) __ at the bus stop, and I heard her (tell) __ her friend not to wait for her.

9) Poor Charles! The police suspected him of (try) __ (sell) __ stolen bicycles.

10) Can you manage (finish) __ (pack) __ these parcels alone?

Fill in the gaps with Gerund or Infinitive.

1) A student can’t learn (spell) __ without (be) __ taught.

2) On (hear) __ her (speak) __ everyone took her for a foreigner.

3) Have you ever watched people (try) __ (catch) __ fish?

4) If you dislike (peel) __ onions, try (wear) __ glasses and (hold) __ them under water while (do) __ so.

5) I promise to give you an opportunity (ask) __ questions before (leave) __ the classroom after (listen) __ to my lesson.

6) It’s stupid (risk) __ (break) __ a leg with those mini-scooters.

7) I must remember (remind) __ the students that this grammar point needs (revise) __ .

8) We mustn’t risk (be) __ late for the concert.

9) I don’t want (miss) __ (hear) __ the choir again.

10) I advise you (wait) __ before (decide) __ (accept) __ that position at the supermarket.

Complete this article from a magazine. Put in the Infinitive or Gerund.

Accept — argue — be — find — have — insist — lose — plug — repair — say — take — wait.

If you buy something from a shop, a new stereo for example, you usually can’t wait __ it in and put some music on. And of course, you expect __ the equipment in working order. But that doesn’t always happen, unortunately. If the thing doesn’t work, you should take it straight back to the shop. If you delay __ it back, you will risk __ your rights as a customer. And you should prepare __ on those rights. You may be one of those people who always avoid __ with people, but in this case you should be ready for an argument. The assistant may prove __ a true friend of the customer- it’s not impossible- but first he or she will probably offer __ the stereo for you. That’s all right if you don’t

mind __ a few weeks, but it isn’t usually a good idea. What you should do is politely demand __ your money back inmedialtely. You may want to accept another stero in place of the old one, but you don’t have to.

You should refuse __ a credit note. Just keep on __ that you want your money back.

Choose the correct form of the verb.

I used to like going to our local cinema. It was old and rather uncomfortable, but it had character. Now they’ve stopped __ films there.

The owner would like to go on __ the cinema, but he would need __ a lot of improvements, which would mean __ tens of thousands of pounds.

I remember __ the last film at cinema. It was a murder mystery. It was five minutes from the end, and we were trying __ out who the murderer was when suddenly all the lights went out and the film stopped.

We sat in the dark for a few minutes, and then the owner appeared with a torch. ’I regret __ you, `he said ’that our electricity has failed.

I don’t mean __ you, but I’m afraid we can’t show you the end of the film. We’ve tried __ the electricity company, but they say they can’t help. ’He went on __ to the audience how the film ended. I didn’t understand the story. But I don’t regret __ to the cinema on that last evening.

The following exercises include examples of both the gerund and the present participle. Either present participle or infinitive without to can be used after verbs of the senses. Put the verbs in brackets into a correct form. In some cases, more than one form is possible.

A

1) You are expected (know) the safety regulations of the college.

2) He decided (disguise) himself by (dress) as a woman.

3) I am prepared (wait) here all night if necessary.

4) Would you mind (show) me how (work) the lift?

5) After (walk) for three hours we stopped to let the others (catch up) with us.

6) I am beginning (understand) what you mean.

7) He was fined for (exceed) the speed limit.

8) The boys like (play) games but hate (do) lessons.

9) I regret (inform) you that your application has been refused.

10) I couldn’t help (overhear) what you said.

11 ) Mrs. Jones: I don’t allow (smoke) in my drawing — room. Mrs Smith: I don’t allow my family (smoke) at all.

12) He surprised us all by (go) away without (say) ‘Good-bye”.

13) Please go on (write); I don’t mind (wait).

14) He wore dark glasses (avoid) (be) recognized.

15) Before (give) evidence you must swear (speak) the truth.

16) I tried (persuade) him (agree) with your proposal.

17) Your windows need (clean); would you like me (do) them for you?

18) Would you mind (shut) the window? I hate (sit) in a draught.

19) I can’t help (sneeze); I caught a cold yesterday from (sit) in a draught.

20) Do stop (talk);I am trying (finish) a letter.

21) His doctor advised him (give up) (smoke).

22) My watch keeps (stop). That’s because you keep (forget) (wind) it.

23) Without (realize) it, he hindered us instead of (help) us.

24) People used (make) fire by (rub) two sticks together.

B

1) He hates (answer) the phone, and very often just lets it (ring).

2) If you go on (let) your dog (chase) cars he’ll end by (be) run over.

3) I prefer (drive) to (be driven).

4) I advise you (start) (look) for a flat at once.

5) Would you mind (lend) me ten pence?I went (make) a phone call.

6) (Lie) on this beach is much more pleasant than (sit) in the office.

7) She likes her children (go) to a dentist every six months.

8) By (neglect) (take) ordinary precautions he endangered the life of his crew.

9) An instructor is coming (show) us how (use) the aqualung.

10) I have no intention of (go) to that film; I couldn’t bear (see) my favourite actress in such a dreadful part.

11 ) I suggest (telephone) the hospitals before (ask) the police (look) for him.

12) After (hear) the conditions I decided (not enter) for the competition.

13) Some people seem (have) a passion for (write) to the newspapers.

14) He expects me (answer) by return but I have no intention of (reply) at all.

15) I tried (pacify) him but he refused (be pacified) and went on (grumble).

16) By (offer) enormous wages he is persuading men (leave) their present jobs and (work) for him.

17) He postponed (make) a decision till it was too late (do) anything.

18) Imagine (have) (get up) at five a. m. every day!

19) Try (forget) it; isn’t worth (worry) about.

20) There is no point in (remain) in a dangerous place if you can’t do anything (help) the people who have (stay) there.

21) The horse won’t be well enough (run) in tomorrow’s race. He doesn’t seem (have recovered) from his long journey.

22) At first I enjoyed (listen) to him but after a while I got tired of (hear) the same story again and again.

23) It is usually easier (learn) a subject by (read) books than by (listen) to lectures.

24) It wouldn’t be safe (start) down now; we’ll have (wait) till the mist clears.

25) After (discuss) the matter for an hour the committee adjourned without (have reached) any decision.

26) It’s not much use (have) a bicycle if you don’t know how (ride) it.

27) He didn’t dare (leave) the house because he was afraid of (meet) someone who might (recognize) him.

28) I distinctly remember (pay) him. I gave him Ј2.

29) Did you remember (give) him the key of the safe?

30) Please forgive me for (interrupt) you but would you mind (repeat) that last sentence?

31) I know my hair wants (cut) but I never have time (go) to the hairdresser’s.

32) He made a lot of money by (buy) tickets in advance and (sell) them.

C

1) When the painter felt the ladder (begin) (slip) he grabbed the gutter (save) himself from (fall).

2) The snow kept (fall) and the workmen grew tired off (try) (keep) the roads clear.

3) He offered (lend) me the money. I didn’t like (take) it but I had no alternative.

4) What was in the letter? I don’t know. I didn’t like (open) it as it wasn’t addressed to me.

5) Do you remember (hear) the bombs (drop)? No, in the last war I was too young (realize) what was happening.

6) Did you remember (book) seats for the theatre tomorrow? Yes, I have the tickets here. Would you like (keep) them? I am inclined (lose) theatre tickets.

7) Try (avoid) (be) late. He hates (be) kept (wait).

8) I didn’t know how (get) to your house so I stopped (ask) the way.

9) I wish my refrigerator would stop (make) that horrible noise. You can’t hear anyone (speak).

10) This book tells you how (win) at games without actually (cheat).

11 ) The enemy began (fire). He felt bullets (strike) the wall behind him.

12) You don’t need (ask) his permission every time you want (leave) the room.

13) The police accused him of (set) fire to the building but he denied (have been) in the area on the night of the fire.

14) I left my door open. Why didn’t you walk in? I didn’t like (go) in when you weren’t there.

15) It’s much better (go) to a hairdresser than (try) (save) time by (cut) your own hair.

16) I’d rather (earn) my living by (scrub) floors than (make) money by (blackmail) people.

17) Did you remember (lock) the door? No I didn’t. I’d better (go) back and (do) it now.

18) You still have a lot (learn) if you’ll forgive my (say) so.

19) It’s no use (try) (interrupt) him. You’ll have (wait) till he stops (talk).

20) I’m for (do) nothing till the police arrive. They don’t like you (move) anything when a crime has been committed.

21) He didn’t like (leave) the children alone in the house but he had no alternative as he had (go) out to work.

22) Why didn’t you drink it? I didn’t like (drink) it as I didn’t know

what it was.

23) I’m very sorry for (be) late. It was good of you (wait) for me.

24) I keep (try) (make) mayonnaise but I never succeed. Try (add) the yolk of a hard-boiled egg.

25) Do you feel like (go) to a film or would you rather (stay) at home?

26) She told me (look) through her correspondence and (take) out any letters that you had written her. I didn’t like (look) trough someone else’s letters but I had (do) as she said.

27) He took to (get up) early and (walk) noisily about the house.

28) I liked (listen) to folk music much better than (listen) to pop.

29) The car began (make) an extraordinary noise so I stopped (see) what it was.

30) You’ll never regret (do) a kind action.

31) He decided (put) broken glass on top of his wall (prevent) boys (climb) over it.

32) He annoyed me very much by (take) the piece of cake that I was keeping (eat) after my supper.

33) He kept (ring) up and (ask) for an explanation and she didn’t know what (do) about him.

34) We got tired of (wait) for the weather (clear) and finally decided (set) out in the rain.

35) He made me (repeat) his instructions (make) sure that I understood what I was (do) after he had gone.

36) I suggest (leave) the car here and (send) a breakdown van (tow) it to the garage.

37) She apologized for (borrow) my sewing-machine without (ask) permission and promised never (do) it again.

38) I didn’t mean (offend) anyone but somehow I succeeded in (annoy) them all.

39) She claimed (be able) (tell) the future by (gaze) into her crystal ball.

40) He never thinks of (get) out of your way; he expects you (walk) round him.

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