The gerund is a non-finite form of the verb with some noun features, It is formed by adding the suffix –ing to the verb

The Gerund

The gerund is a non-finite form of the verb with some noun features. It is formed by adding the suffix –ing to the verb.

The grammatical meaning of the gerund is a process.

The meaning of the gerund is close to the meaning of the noun, the noun denotes the fact or the result of an action, which in may be something material.

Compare: Show me your translation:  it is neatly done, and there are no mistakes in it.

You will enrich your vocabulary by translating from English into Russian and vice versa.

The gerund has a double nature: it combines the features of the verb and the features of the noun.

Morphologically the verbal character of the gerund is shown in the categories of voice and correlation and syntactically in its combinability. Thus the gerund may combine with a noun or pronoun as direct, indirect or prepositional object, depending on the verb from which it is formed. It may combine with an adjective or a noun as a predicative, with an infinitive, or act as a modal verb equivalent.

The nominal character of the gerund reveals itself syntactically, mainly in its syntactical function but partly in its combinability.

Like a noun, it can function as subject, object, or predicative, but not as predicate.

Seeing you is always a pleasure.

I remember seeing you somewhere

I am thinking of seeing the film again.

Peter's hobby is seeing all new films.                                                 

The Grammatical Categories of the Gerund

The Forms of the Gerund

The Category of Correlation (perfect – non-perfect)

The indefinite gerund denotes an action simultaneous with that expressed by the finite verb.                                            

Students improve their pronunciation                         

John improved his pronunciation                    by listening to tape recordings.            

You will improve your pronunciation  

The perfect gerund denotes an action prior to the action denoted by the finite verb.

I regret

I regretted                 having uttered these words.

I will always regret  

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.

On reaching the end of the streetwe turned towards the river.

Preedy, after reflecting a little, gave a long sigh.

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 occurs after nouns expressing future actions such as plan, intention, hope, prospect:

There is some hope of catching the last train.

The Category of Voice (active – passive)

Like other verb forms, the  active gerund points out that the action is directed from the subject and the passive gerund indicates that the action is directed towards the subject.

I hate interrupting people. - I hate being interrupted.

I am not used  to talking in that way. - I am  not used  to  being talked to in that way.

On   tellingme  the   time,  he  turned  away. - On  being  told  some impossible hour, he turned away.

He entered without having knocked at  the door.- 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 by an active gerund with passive meaning.

Your hair needs cutting.

This house wants painting.

Your suggestion is worth talking over.

Syntactical Functions of the Gerund

The gerund can perform any syntactical function performed by a noun, although in each case it has peculiarities of its own.

The Gerund as Subject

As a rule the gerund as subject stands in front position.

John('s) coming tomorrow will make all the difference.

Growing roses, collecting postage stamps or old swords are hobbies.

The subject stands in postposition in sentences opening with an introductory it, which happens when the predicate is a phrase such as to be (of) no use (no good, useless), to make all the (no) difference.

If you want me to help, it's no good beating about the bush.

It will make no difference your being quiet.

Note: In American English the pattern There is no use in doing itis preferable to It is no use doing it.

In sentences with the introductory there the gerund is preceded by the negative pronoun no. Such sentences are usually emphatic.

Well, there's no avoiding him now.

There is no accounting for his strange behaviour.

The Gerund as fart of the Predicate

The Gerund as Part of the Compound Nominal Predicate

(Predicative)

As predicative the gerund may express either (a) state or (b) identity. In the second case the predicative of identity reveals the meaning of the subject.

a)  I am all for starting home at once.

    Peter was against your joining us.

b)  John's   hobby   is   collecting   all   sorts   of  bugs   and   butterflies