Predicative Constructions (Complexes) with the Gerund

Exercise 1.

Point out predicative constructions with the gerund in the following sentences and define their functions.

1. I hate the idea of Larry making such a mess of his life. (S.M.)

2. Later, in the night, I was awakened by the sound of someone moving softly about the room. (A. Chr.)

3. Do you think there is much chance of one seeing him again? (A. Chr.)

4. Well, it was the same fellow. And do you remember me saying that I was sure I had seen him somewhere before? (P.W.)

5. “Will you pay any attention if I forbid you to go?” “No, darling,” I said, “none”. Then she said, “That’s what I imagined. In that case there doesn’t seem to be much point in my forbidding it.” (S.M.)

6. What can be the possible use of Larry’s learning dead languages? (S.M.)

7. Jane bit her lip till the blood came, and walked back to her seat without another word, but she couldn’t help the tears of rage rolling down her face. (Galsw.)

8. “Well,” he said, “I couldn’t help Irene’s having no money.” (Galsw.)

9. He had called there three times now without her being able to see him. (Galsw.)

10. His having come home so late has caused her much anxiety. (Cus.)

11. I’m afraid just at first he’ll be rather lonely and I shall feel more comfortable if I can count on your keeping an eye on him. (S.M.)

Exercise 2.

Define the structure of predicative constructions with the gerund in the following sentences.

1. The blood returned to Michael’s heart. Curious how he had dreaded its having anything to do with her. (Galsw.)

2. Arthur was proud of his unselfishness, and Miriam added to her family duties the job of trying to prevent her mother imping more than necessary on her husband’s ordered life. (M.D.)

3. Nothing keeps me going but the sight of other people spending money. (Galsw.)

4. Fancy her wanting to know what was troubling him! (Galsw.)

5. The entrance of the manager was marked by Sir Lawrence’s monocle dropping on to his coat-button with a tinkle. (Galsw.)

6. Whatever she thought about his being at the station with her mother, and Louise could not help wondering what she thought, she did not show it. (M.D.)

7. “It’s due to the pancreas, they say. That’s a thing that lays under your stomach like a fish under a stone.” He cleared his throat, looked at Louise and added, “If you’ll excuse my mentioning it.” (M.D.)

8. … the ordinary public will take your Marquesan seriously, and resent your making him superior to themselves. (Galsw.)

9. The sight of her mother dabbing gently with a mop annoyed Miriam … (M.D.)

10. He did not recollect such a thing having happened to him before. (Galsw.)

Exercise 3.

Use the gerund in the required form as the second part of the predicative constructions with the gerund.

1. He had declared that his stepfather would not hear of his (to marry) a penniless girl. (A. Chr.)

2. I remember your father, Mr. James, (to come) into the office the morning the Franco-Prussian war was declared — quite in his prime then, hardly more than sixty, I should say. (Galsw.)

3. The whole place is in a bustle, and the chances of one particular person (to notice) telephoning or getting into the express are very small indeed. (A. Chr.)

4. My friend, Doctor Sheppard, said something of the butler (to suspect). (A. Chr.)

5. He had a superstitious fear that if even one day passed without his (to add) to the book he would lose himself again in that drab labyrinth of un-doing. (Banks)

6. There’s no sense in your (to agonize) over me. I’m all right, do you hear? I just want to be left alone to run my own life without the family (to butt) in all the time. (M.D.)

7. I had reached this point in my meditations, when I was aroused by the sound of the door (to open). (P.W.)

8. Ann did not mind her (to come) to see the baby, but she would not let her help with it. (M.D.)

9. They told me all about his (to be) there, and the questions he had asked. (A. Chr.)

10. I must beg, that in the case of my (to be able) to contribute something to the solution of the mystery, my name may not be mentioned. (A. Chr.)

11. I’m tired of people (to have) to be kind to me. (M.D.)

12. I’m eight years older than you are — oh! I don’t mind Mr. Poirot (to know) that— ! (A. Chr.)

13. Louise had been going to say something diplomatic about women (to like) fat men, but was glad she did not … . (M.D.)

14. “I never dreamed of her (to be) the thief,” I expostulated. (A. Chr.)

Exercise 4.

Form predicative constructions with the gerund out of the elements in brackets.

1. They might, she always felt, disapprove of (women, to smoke) in public halls. (Galsw.)

2. … I did ask her why she could not sleep and what kept (she, to think) so much as she listened to the nightingale. (Bates)

3. Kate smiled at (Anthony, to shift) on his chair. (Gr. Gr.)

4. “I couldn’t stop (she, to come here).” He spread his hands helplessly. (M.D.)

5. If you don’t object to (me, to accompany) you as far as the door, sir …? (A. Chr.)

6. Louise did not mind staying there, although she was always glad to get away to a bath with hot water, and a meal without (dogs, to clamour) round the table. (M.D.)

7. No one would dream of (he, to be) so near at hand. (A. Chr.)

8. “You must not mind our (to be surprised),” she said. (A. Chr.)

9. After all I’m partly to blame for (you, to miss) the train so the least I can do is to help you out of a jam. (Cus)

10. … there was still a chance of (Bart, to come). (Cus)

11. Naturally, I realise that this pleurisy will put her back a bit, but I suppose it won’t prevent (she, to be) out by the end of October? (Cus.)

Exercise 5.

Recast the following sentences so as to use predicative constructions with the gerund. Use prepositions where required.

1. Presently I became aware that someone was moving softly about this room.

2. I was about to suggest that you should lunch with me.

3. For my part I had never before suspected that Kate had a deep vein of superstition in her nature.

4. I cut short his lamentations, by suggesting that we should start for the camp at once.

5. I like you so much because you are such a good cook.

6. I boasted that my father was different; he would understand that I was an artist.

7. She took a peculiar delight in the fact that he was Peter’s son.

8. He felt proud of the fact that he had been able to win a woman whom everybody admired.

9. She gave no sign that she heard that he had slammed the door.

10. She insisted that he should drop his voice.

11. He was clever, no one had ever denied that he was clever.

Exercise 6.

Complete the following so as to use predicative constructions with the gerund.

1. You don’t seem to mind their … .

2. What is the reason of his …? I don’t understand what prevents her … .

3. There’s no sense in your … .

4. She finished her … .

5. He dropped the subject without my … .

6. Louise didn’t like to run the risk of her … .

7. He liked the idea of their … .

8. They saved time by Tom’s … .

9. There was no excuse for Isabel’s …

10. There was no possibility of David’s … .

11. I was awakened by the sound of someone … .

12. I sat there listening to Arthur … .

13. I don’t like her … .

14. He was right in his … .

15. There is no point in my … .

16. Bobby gave no sign of his … .

17. There was an absolute proof of his … .

18. Forgive my … .

19. It was the only excuse for her … .