Тне gerund and тне verbal noun

To distinguish between the Gerund and the verba1 noun one should remember that:

GERUND	VERBAL NOUN
- has tense and voice forms: He enjoyed being read to. She denied having read the letter. - can take а direct object: It’s no use reading this article now. - can be modified by an adverb: He is used to getting up early. - can be а part of а compound verbal predicate: He stopped coming here long ago.	- can take an article: The cash-for-pardon scandal had been a distant rumbling until Sandberg opened the door. (J. Grisham) - can have а plural form: The readings start in an hour. - can be modified by an adjective: His unexpected comings and leavings irritated everybody.
- a prepositional phrase following the gerund and syntactically connected with it is а prepositional object:	- а prepositional phrase following the noun and syntactically connected with it is an attribute:
He regretted talking about it in public.	There was no resignation, no “reaching of mutual understanding.” (J. Grisham)

When there is a noun which is similar in its meaning to a gerund, the noun is usually preferred:

His refusal surprised everybody.

We are really excited about his arrival next Sunday.

Exercises forms of the gerund

Exercise 1 Give all possible forms of the gerund:

Write, translate, arrive, ask, walk, surprise, discover, attract, fit, jump.

Exercise 2 Comment on the forms of the gerund and its verbal and nominal characteristics. Translate the sentences into Russian:

1. It’s a big world out there. Hiding is not that difficult. (J. Grisham) 2. It seemed merely a question of searching thoroughly. (A. Christie) 3. He adored the idea of once again humiliating Arthur Morgan. (J. Grisham) 4. Hiding behind the Australians, he watched and listened for a long time without being noticed. (J. Grisham) 5. Repaying the money would pose a challenge. (J. Grisham) 6. How do you react to being called a gentleman? (L. Braun) 7. It’s total, absolute immersion in the language and culture, and there’s no turning back. (J. Grisham) 8. I professed regret at not having had the pleasure ... (L. Braun) 9. I don’t mind driving on the wrong side, or the lousy weather, but what really bugs me here are the sports. (J. Grisham) 10. Do you know why? Because they are used to being served refreshments in public places: at meetings and exhibits, in banks and stores, at church and funerals. (L. Braun) 11. “I guess I feel flattered that you think I’m worth seeing again.” (M. Grimes) 12. “Do you enjoy meeting me in these nice little restaurants?” Luigi asked. – “Do I have a choice?” – “Yes. If you keep asking these questions, then we’ll stop meeting....” (J. Grisham)

Exercise 3 Express а prior action as shown in the model:

Model: She is proud of doing this work. –

She is proud of having done this work.

1. They suspect us of telling her a lie. 2. The criminal was suspected of stealing the jewels. 3. She complained about being offended. 4. They accuse this man of taking the company’s car. 5. The speaker was pleased at being listened to so attentively. 6. He is proud of getting first prize at the contest. 7. The child was praised for tidying up his room. 8. I apologize for bothering you again. 9. The young man was indignant at being treated as a liar. 10. Everybody in the room was aware of being manipulated.

Exercise 4 Open the brackets. Use the appropriate form of the gerund:

Use an active form of the gerund after the verbs: deserve, want, need, require and the adjective worth.

1. The doctor insisted on medicines in coloured capsules (take) on time. 2. Ann liked the idea of (introduce) to his parents. 3. At last I succeeded in (back) the car into the parking place. 4. She suspects me of (read) her diary. 5. Who is responsible for (keep) the place in order? 6. He doesn’t like (remind) of his mistakes. 7. He apologized for (come) late. 8. The students deserve (praise) for their work. 9. Your clothes require (clean, press). 10. I’m tired of (lie) in bed. I hate (do) nothing. 11. The doctor insisted on the patient (operate on). 12. He denied (look through) the documents. 13. I’m looking forward to (see) you and Rosa. 14. Harry was all against (stay) in bed for no reason. 15. Stop (prevent) me from (do) my house work. 16. Are you used to (speak to) like that? 17. He only succeeded in (take) for а bore. 18. She was indignant at (treat) like а chi1d. 19. The film is not worth (see). 20. He was accused of (sell) secret information to rival firms.

Exercise5 Ask for confirmation, using the gerund:

Model: The boy felt he was rude and apologized. –

Do you mean the boy apologized for being rude?

1. Miss Parker wants to be аn actress. She dreams of it. 2. William says he likes it when he is criticised. Не says he enjoys it. 3. His friends call him "Fatty". Не doesn’t seem to mind it. 4. I don’t smoke. I gave it up. 5. Mr. Brown doesn’t mind if he is sent on business to his native town. 6. The medical man offered to examine George at оnсе and he didn’t mind it. 7. Robert Parker wants to be а sailor. Не dreams of it. 8. Helen never plays the piano when somebody is listening to her. She avoids it. 9. I changed the article but the editor disapproved of it. 10. At first Olga could not drive а car in England, but now she can do it, she has got used to it.

Exercise 6 Replace gerunds by gerundial complexes and use the suggested words:

Model: I’m against writing this review (Ann). –

I’m against Ann (Ann’s) writing this review.

1. I fail to see the point of raising the question now (my friend). 2. We didn’t mind waiting а little (the postman) 3. She is proud of being pretty (her daughter). 4. Much depends on sending the documents on time (the secretary). 5. I’ll take the opportunity of being here to ask you some questions (your). 6. She was not pleased at having come there (his, Mary’s). 7. Trying to make her change her mind is useless (your, the parents). 8. She likes being praised and made much of (her children). 9. I shall never agree to buying а car (my husband, their). 10. He was much surprised at being invited to the party (George). 11. I’m used to getting up early (my neighbour). 12. She was grateful for being taken to the summer cottage (her friends). 13. There is no hope of getting the tickets for the first night (Jack’s).