 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
92
The gerund as part of the predicate
The gerund is used in compound predicates of both types - verbal and nominal.
The gerund as part of the compound nominal predicate (predicative)
§ 122. As predicative the gerund expresses either characterization or identity. In the latter case the predicate
reveals the meaning of the subject.
John’s hobby is collecting all sorts of bugs and butterflies.
The gerund as part of the compound verbal predicate
§ 123. In combination with phasal verbs the gerund forms a compound verbal phasal predicate. The finite
phasal verb denotes a phase of the action expressed by the gerund. The most common phasal verbs followed by
the gerund are: to begin*,* to burst out, to start*, to cease, to continue*, to give up, to go on, to finish, to keep
on, to leave off, to stop.
* The verbs marked by an asterisk may also be followed by the infinitive.
Again you start arguing.
On hearing the joke everybody burst out laughing.
They kept on arguing.
Your health will improve as soon as you give up smoking.
This is the only function of the gerund that is not characteristic of the noun, for it is caused by the verbal
character of the gerund.
A gerundial predicative construction cannot form part of a compound verbal predicate.
The gerund as object
§ 124. The gerund can be used as a direct or a prepositional object. As a direct object it follows a number of
monotransitive verbs, some of which take only the gerund, while others may be followed either by the gerund
or by the infinitive. The gerund is also used after the adjective worth.
The following verbs are followed only by the gerund:
to admit
to appreciate
to avoid
to deny
to detest
to enjoy
to excuse
to fancy
to imagine
to mention
to mind
to miss
to postpone
to practise
to put off
to recollect
to resent
to resist
to risk
to suggest
to understand
can’t help
can’t stand
We all appreciate your helping us.
Avoid using very long sentences.
Fancy us (our) having to walk a mile in a wind like this!
I’m sorry that I missed seeing you!
Do you mind Ann’s joining us?
Practise listening to tape recordings. It’s good practice!
I find the book worth reading.