A Grammar in a Nutshell First Certificate Level

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A Grammar in a NutshellFirst Certificate Level

• Gerunds

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Introduction Certain verbs and phrases (often
with prepositions) in English are followed by
gerunds, others by infinitives or basic forms.
This chapter lists the uses of gerunds.
Unfortunately it is not possible to give a few
foolproof rules that help with all
questions. There is no way around learning the
constructions. A very basic list on when to use
gerunds, infinitives and basic forms can be found
in your Headway Intermediate book on page 158.
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The gerund

• A gerund is a noun which is formed from a verb.
  In German we call it Gerundium or
  substantiviertes Verb.
• Formation the form is exactly the same as the
  present participle the same spelling rules apply
  as well.
• A gerund in the negative is preceded by not.
• What about not going out tonight? What about
  staying here?

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• Gerunds after prepositions
• When a verb follows a preposition (of, after,
  before, without, by etc., but also if it follows
  the preposition to it is always in the gerund
  form
• Arent we tired of waiting?
• After doing her hair she went off to meet her
  friends.
• You must report to the authorities before being
  allowed to immigrate.
• I believe in thinking positively.
• They obeyed their orders without questioning
  them.
• Learning by doing involves making mistakes.
• Im looking forward to seeing you soon.
• Are they used to losing?
• Dont object to finishing what you started.

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2. Gerunds after certain verbs (for go and do see
next page) With the following verbs the gerund is
used. Does he deny stealing the car? No, he
admits stealing it. I appreciate eating out from
time to time. She avoids eating too much red
meat. They had considered buying a flat screen
TV. My dog detests walking in the rain. I enjoy
listening to the Stones. I dont fancy going to
parties. I feel like calling her up. She finished
reading her book and went to sleep. I cant help
falling in love with you.
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He will not give up smoking. Just go on making
jokes I can imagine her playing the piano really
well. Dont give up keep on trying. Dont
mention going on a spending spree to him. Hes
broke. Would you mind closing the window? At
first they missed not having a car. Do not
postpone doing what you can do right away. Do not
put off calling her because of me. They always
practise playing the recorder in the evening. She
risked breaking her neck for me! We spent a
wonderful night dancing together. I suggest
trying to bury the hatchet. Is she really worth
crying about? I cant stand/bear having to
wait.

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• Gerunds after do and go
• The verb do the / a lot of / much is followed
  by the gerund.
• She always does the washing.
• We do a lot of swimming.
• Do you do much travelling in your job?
• The verb go is used with the gerund, when
  describing sporting activities or shopping.
• Lets go skiing.
• Do you often go swimming?
• What about going shopping later. I just prefer
  sitting in the sunny park for now.
• If the verb go does not go with a sporting
  activity or shopping, use go and do.
• Why dont we go and have a nice cup of tea?

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• Gerunds after possessive adjectives
• Because the gerund is basically a noun, it can be
  preceded by a possessive adjective or or by a
  noun in the possessive case. Or reversed A
  possessive adjective or a noun in the posses-sive
  case is followed by a noun (or a gerund, a verb
  that has been transformed into a noun).
• They excused my leaving the meeting early. (In
  informal English you also find me.)
• Sams playing the trumpet in the middle of the
  night really gets on my nerves.
• Their begging for food touches ones heart.
• Gerunds after other expressions
• Gerunds are also always used after the
  expressions in the following examples.
• Its no use / good crying.