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8.
The Definition, Forms, Functions and Verb Frequently of Gerund a.
The Definition of Gerund
Gerund is a present participle that function as a noun and therefore names an action or state of being.
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Gerund is traditionally understood as a word derived from a verb base which functions as or like a noun.
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Gerund is verb forms that may be used in place of a noun or pronoun.
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b. Forms of Gerund
T
he gerund is an -ing form. It can be simple or perfect, active or passive:
Active Passive
Simple gerund writing
being written
Perfect gerund
having written having been written
Note the changes in spelling when forming the simple gerund:
read » reading study » studying
grow » growing relax » relaxing
answer » answering write » writing; argue » arguing a final -e is omitted
agree » agreeing a final -ee does not change lie » lying a final -ie changes to -y-
put » putting; regret » regretting; readmit » readmitting we double
the final consonant if the verb ends with consonant-vowel-consonant, with the exception of w, x and y and only has one syllable or has the
stress on the last syllable In the negative, not usually comes before the gerund:
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Vincent F. Hopper,et all, Essentials of English New York: Barrons Educational Series, 2000, p. 28
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Hellen Hoyt Schmidt, Advanced English Grammar USA: Prentice-Hall Regents, 1995, p. 302
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Patricia K. Werner, John P. Nelson, Keesia Hyzer, Mary Mitchell Church, Interaction 2 Grammar 4
th
Edition New York: McGraw-HillContemporary, 2002, p. 321
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There is no point in applying for the grant. There is no point in not applying for the grant.
In some cases, the verb in the main clause is negative, not the gerund:
I like getting up early. I dont like getting up early.
As the gerund has no tense, it does not in itself indicate the time of the action that it refers to. However, it can show whether this time is the
same as or earlier than the time of the verb in the main clause.
Simple gerund The simple gerund can refer to the same time as that of the verb in the
main clause:
I hate arguing with you. arguing refers to the same time as hate: I
hate when we argue.
Tom suggested going back to our tents. going refers to the same time
as suggested: Tom suggested that we should go back to our tents.
The simple gerund can also refer to a time before that of the verb in
the main clause:
I dont remember saying anything like that. saying refers to a time
before dont remember: I dont remember that I said anything like that.
She regretted not studying harder when she was at school. not
studying refers to a time before regretted: She regretted that she hadnt studied harder when he was at school.
Perfect gerund The perfect gerund refers to a time before that of the verb in the main
clause. However, it is only used if the time of the action expressed by the gerund is not obvious from the context:
He denied being married. the simple gerund being refers to the same
time as denied: He denied that he was married.
He denied having been married. the perfect gerund having been refers
to a time before denied: He denied that he had been married. If it is clear that an earlier time is meant, we use the simple gerund:
He denied stealing the car. He denied that he had stolen the car.
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Passive gerunds
Passive forms are also possible:
I hate being lied to. passive simple gerund: I hate it when people lie to
me.
He complained of having been unjustly accused. passive perfect
gerund: He complained that they had unjustly accused him.
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c.
The Functions of Gerund 1
As Object of Prepositions
List of Words : -
Be afraid of -
Be excited about -
Be interested -
Be good at in -
Be get tired of -
Etc 2
As Object of Verbs List of Words :
- Admit
- Appreciate
- Avoid
- Be worth
- Can’t help
- Etc
3 As Subject
List of Words : -
Gerund without a subject : singing -
Possessive as subject : her singing -
The gerund of : the singing of 4
As Direct Objects List of Words :
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http:www.grammaring.comthe-forms-of-the-gerund
