The gerund

The gerund is a non-finite form of the verb which names a process or a state in a most general way.

The gerund as a non-finite form of the verb has nominal and verbal characteristics. The verbal characteristics of the gerund are shown morphologically and syntactically, whereas the nominal features of the gerund are revealed syntactically, mostly through its functioning in a sentence.

The verbal characteristics of the gerund shown morphologically, are seen in its forms. The forms of the gerund can show the verbal grammatical categories of Voice and Correlation (Perfect)

Voice Correlation	Active	Passive
Non-Perfect	doing	being done
Perfect	having done	having been done

NOTE: Gerunds of intransitive verbs are not used in the Passive voice.

E.g.: He's afraid of looking foolish in front of all his friends. "Looking" is a non-perfect active form of the gerund.

I remember being taken to Paris as a small child. "Being taken" is a non-perfect passive form of the gerund.

Neil denied having given Dick any money. "Having given" is a perfect active form of the gerund.

Stephen was greatly surprised at having been found out. "Having been found out" is a perfect passive form of the gerund.

The category of correlation (Perfect) is shown through by the opposition of two forms: non-perfect and perfect: doing - having done; being done - having been done. The non-perfect forms of the gerund denote an action simultaneous with the action which is expressed by the verb-predicate: I'm afraid (now) of flying (now). He denied (then) knowing anything about it (then).The students will improve (a future action) their pronunciation by listening (a simultaneous future action) to tape recordings. The perfect forms of the gerund denote an action prior to the action expressed by the verb-predicate: He's afraid (now) of having been found out (before now).He denied (then) having been there (before then).I will regret (a future action) having uttered (before the future action of the predicate) these words.

The category of voice is shown through the opposition of two forms: active and passive: taking - being taken; having taken - having been taken. The active gerund forms denote an action which is performed by the person or the thing which is the grammatical subject of the sentence. The passive gerund forms show that the grammatical subject is the person or thing which is affected by the action: I hate interrupting people:: I hate being interrupted.

The verbal characteristics of the gerund shown syntactically are seen in its ability to have an object and in its ability to be modified by an adverb:

He detests writing letters. ('letters' is an object to the gerund 'writing').

I kept on walking quickly. ('quickly' is an adverbial modifier of manner which modifies the gerund 'walking').

The nominal characteristics of the gerund are shown syntactically, through its functioning in a sentence. Firstly, the gerund can be used after the preposition (He is fond of sailing); secondly it can function in a sentence in the positions which are typical of the noun: the subject, the predicative, the object, etc.

Exercise 1. State the form of the gerund:

1.I enjoy having worked with you. 2.Your hair needs cutting. 3.Reading love stories made her cry. 4.He was punished by being sent to bed without any supper. 5.The safe showed no signs of having been touched. 6.I narrowly missed being run overly by a bus this morning. 7.What made you suspect her of having taken the money ? 8.I'm accustomed to living on my own. 9.I object to being criticized so stupidly. 10.Madeleine thanked everyone for coming. 11.He was afraid of being caught by the police. 12.Rita has hopes of eventually studying to be a nurse. 13.I resent having been dismissed. 14.We often thought of going there ourselves. 15.He's surprised at having been found out. 16.I think your plan is capable of being improved. 17.I was not used to catching buses: I usually drove everywhere. 18.I object to being kept waiting. 19.He wouldn't say anything to the Press because he feared being misreported. 20.I'm annoyed at having lost all that money.

Exercise 2. Use the necessary form of the gerund:

1.(To become) a member of a society means (to adopt) its values.

2.Several lifeboats were still afloat a month after (to be cast) adrift.

3.The hotel is not very modern, but it does have the advantage of (to be close) to the city center.

4.Could you give me some advice about (to buy) a home?

5.I’d advise you against (to say) anything to the press.

6.At my age, it’s quite difficult (to get) up the stairs.

7.It’s time you started (to act) your age, Jeff.

8.He played the fool at school instead of (to work).

9.Will you stop (to play around) with the remote control!

10.A good diet and fitness play a large parting (to help) people live longer.

11.Karen began (to play) basketball when she was nine.

12.He got the sack for (to steal) money from his employers.

13.John’s been playing with my drinks all evening. I don’t think I’m capable of (to drive) home.

14.Thanks for (to support) me.

15.Children should always brush their teeth before (to go) to bed

16.You seemed a bit hesitant about (to recommend) that restaurant. Is something wrong with it?

17.John O’Neill saved the child from (to drown).

18.I’ll get a taxi from the station to save you the trouble of (to come)to collect me.

19.He seems to enjoy (to shock) people.

20.The family decided against (to camp) in the mountains.

21.Nothing shall prevent us from (to reach) our aim!

22.I was never tired of (to listen) to his wisdom.

23.Tell your story without (to laugh).

24.The house is very old, it needs (to repair).

25.I’ve brought the book that is worth (to read).