 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
90
I regretted
I will always regret
having uttered these words.
The perfect gerund is invariable in indicating priority, whereas the meaning of the non-perfect gerund is
vaguer and more flexible and may easily be modified by the context. Thus according to the context the action
denoted by the non-perfect gerund may precede or follow the action denoted by the finite verb. The non-perfect
gerund may denote a prior action thanks to the lexical meaning of the verb or the preposition suggesting
priority, so the non-perfect gerund is generally used after verbs of recollection, gratitude, blame, reproach,
punishment and reward.
I shall never forget taking this exam.
I remember talking to him once.
Thank you for helping me.
The non-perfect gerund is to be found in gerundial phrases introduced by the prepositions on and after. The
preposition on suggests immediate priority and an instantaneous action.
On reaching the end of the street we turned towards the river.
Tom, after reflecting a little, gave a long sigh.
The lexical meaning of the above-mentioned verbs and prepositions makes the use of the perfect form
redundant. It is used, however, when the priority is emphasized, as in following examples:
And all of a sudden David remembered having heard the name before.
He came back after having been away for about ten years.
The non-perfect gerund expresses a succeeding action after verbs, adjectives and prepositions implying
reference to a future event (such as to intend, to insist, to object, to suggest, to look forward to) and after the
preposition before:
I insist on your staying with us.
We are looking forward to visiting new places.
Ann suggested going to the cinema.
I’m not keen on getting myself into trouble.
We met once more before parting.
The same form occurs after nouns suggesting futurity such as plan, intention, hope, prospect:
There is some hope of catching the last train.
The category of voice
§ 119. The gerund of transitive verbs possesses voice distinctions. Like other verb forms, the active gerund
points out that the action is directed from the subject (whether expressed or implied), whereas the passive
gerund indicates that the action is directed towards the subject.
Active gerund
Passive gerund
I hate interrupting people.
I am not used to talking in that way.
On telling me the time, he turned away.
He entered without having knocked at the door.
- I hate being interrupted.
- I am not used to being talked to in that way.
- On being told some impossible hour, he turned away.
- The door opened without having been knocked on.
The perfect passive gerund is very rarely used.
There are some verbs (to need, to want, to require, to deserve) and the adjective worth which are followed