The gerund and the verbal noun
In the English language besides the gerund which is half-verb, half-noun, there is a pure verbal noun ending in -ing. Let's draw a parallel between these two forms:
1. The gerund is not used 1. The verbal noun may be used with an article. with an article.
I want you to give my hair a good
brushing.
Who does the cooking in this house7
2. The gerund has no plural 2. The verbal noun may be used in the form. plural.
There are three turnings to the right. Our likings are regulated by our circumstances.
3. The gerund of a transitive 3 A verbal noun cannot take a direct verb takes a direct object. object; it takes a prepositional object. He received more and more The reading of the paper made letters, so many that he had me very excited.
given up reading them.
4. The gerund may be modi- 4. The verbal noun may be modified fied by an adverb. by an adjective.
I was tired of sitting still in the The early coming of spring
library through a whole long makes me feel happy,
morning.
•
Practice
и / 1. Make up short dialogues.
Requests: Would you mind + gerund
A: Have the windows been cleaned?
(a) B: No. Would you mind cfeaning them?
(b) B: No. I wonder if you'd mind cleaning them.
Have/has the...
1. beds been made? 9. shopping been done?
2. table been laid? 10. sheets been ironed ?
3. stairs been swept? 11. tea, been made?
4. onions been cut up? 12. laundry been collected?
5. washing-up been done? 13. letters been posted?
6. gas been paid? 14. sandwiches been cut?
7. furniture been polished? 15. potatoes been peeled?
8. dining-room been dusted? 16. chips been fried?
like/liked + gerund
(a) A (in tones of sympathy): You have to make beds, I suppose. В (cheerfully): Yes, but I like making beds!
Twenty years later, Susan's children have left home, her
husband has retired and they can afford some help in house and garden. Her friend reminds her of her former busy life, (b) A: You had to make beds, I suppose.
B: Yes, but I liked making beds!
This exercise could also be done with (c) don 't/didn 't mind or (d) enjoy/enjoyed.
(a) You have to...I suppose.
1. do housework,
2. live economically,
3. shop around,
4. look after the children,
5. mind their clothes,
6. take them to school,
7. help them with their homework,
8. read to them,
9. answer their questions,
10. attend their school concerts,
11. go swimming with them,
12. give children's parties,
13. meet your husband at the station, (Use my.)
14. listen to your husband's office stories, (Use my.)
15. entertain your husband's colleagues, (Use my.)
16. iron shirts,
17. knit pullovers,
18. look after the garden,
19. cut the grass.
(b) You had to ... I suppose.
1. do housework,
2. live economically, etc.
like/dislike/hate/don 't mind/don't care for/enjoy + gerund
The life of an au pair.
A: T have to cook and wash up. (a)B: So have 1.1 like cooking but (I) hate washing up. (b) B: So have 1.1 enjoy cooking but (I) don't care for washing up
(c) B: So have 1.1 don't mind cooking but (I) dislike washing up. This drill can also be done in the past tense:
A: I had to cook and wash up.
B: So had 1.1 liked cooking but (I) hated washing up.
I have to:
1. vacuum carpets and dust furniture.
2. make beds and clean rooms.
3. answer the door and answer the phone.
4. do 'the flowers and polish the silver.
5. buy fruit at the market and carry it home.
6. take the children to school and hurry home afterwards.
7. collect the children from school and help them with their homework.
8. talk to the children and teach them French.
9. go to the beach with the children and play in the sand.
10. put the children to bed and tidy up after them.
11. look after the baby and share a room with him.
12. give the baby his bath and wash his clothes.
13. walk the dogs and brush them.
14. attend classes and do homework.
prefer... to + gerund
A: My brother plays tennis but hardly ever watches it. B: My brother prefers playing (tennis) to watching (it) too. (slight stress on my)
My brother...
1. talks; he hardly ever listens.
2. spends money but hardly ever saves it.
3. phones; he hardly ever writes.
4. listens to the radio; he hardly ever watches TV.
5. paints pictures; he hardly ever takes photographs.
6. takes taxis; he hardly ever waits for a bus. (Use buses.) 1. drives; he hardly ever lets me drive.
8. cycles; he hardly ever walks.
9. eats out; he hardly ever cooks for himself.
10. stays at home (for his holidays); he hardly ever goes abroad.
•11. rushes about (during his holidays); he hardly ever relaxes 12. takes people to restaurants; he hardly ever invites them to his house.
what about? + gerund, would rather + infinitive without to, would prefer + infinitive
In this drill the prompt only is given and students must form both the question (A) and the answer (B). Students could work in pairs, one being A and the other B.
Prompt: walk on ... wait for a bus
A: What about walking on? Or would you rather wait for a bus?
(a) B: I'd rather walk on (than wait for a bus). (Words in brackets may be omitted.)
(b) B: I'd prefer to walk on.
This drill could also be done with I'm against/for or I'm in favour of+ gerunds:
(c) В: I'm against waiting for a bus.
(d) B: I'm for waiting for a bus.
(e) В: I'm in favour of waiting for a bus.
(The speaker in (d) and (e) does not agree with the speaker in (a), (b) and (c).
Prompts:
' 1. write ... phone
2. camp ... stay in a hotel
3. deliver it by hand ... post it
4. drive ... fly
5. mend the old one ... buy a new one
6. go as we are ... change into evening dress
7. get a job ... ask our parents to send us money
8. finish it tonight... leave it till tomorrow
9. try to fix it ourselves ... send for an electrician
10. wash the sheets at home ... take them to the launderette
11. tune the piano ourselves ... get a piano tuner
12. borrow a TV set... hire one
13. buy a cat... put down rat poison
14. ring the dentist today... put it off till tomorrow
15. start now ... wait for Bill
16. hitch-hike... cycle
17. stay at home next weekend... go away
18. keep some... eat it all now
avoid + gerund
Дп old man is talking to his doctor.
A: I travelled overnight and felt awful afterwards. B: Then try to avoid travelling overnight.
/... and felt awful afterwards.
1. got very angry 8. read in a bad light
2. overate 9. carried a heavy suitcase
(Use suitcases.)
3. drank too much 10. played cards all night
4. went to bed too late 11. took sleeping pills
5. rushed about 12. travelled by jet
6. stood for a long time 13. worked all weekend
7. made a long speech 14. quarrelled with my (Use speeches.) neighbours
enjoy + gerund
A: I had a lovely time yesterday. I wrote letters all day. B: Do you actually enjoy writing letters? (stress on enjoy)
I had a lovely time yesterday. I... all day.
1. peeled potatoes 7. practised the piano
2. washed windows 8. worked in the garden
3. mended socks 9.cooked
4. cleaned shoes 10. baked
5. sewed on buttons 11. looked after the children
6. ironed shirts 12. baby-sat
fancy/imagine + gerund
A: She doesn't go to bed at all! B: Fancy not going to bed at all!
or В: Imagine not going to bed at all!
A: He lost all his savings!
B: Fancy losing one's/your savings!
or B: Imagine losing one's/your savings!
1. My sister doesn't enjoy her days off.
2. Tom doesn't know his own age.
3. Bill refused a rise in salary.
4. She was an au pair girl for ten years.
5. She never has a night out.
6. She baby-sits every night.
7. They paid £200 for a single meal.
8. They watch television for thirty hours a week.
9. The mother doesn't know where her baby is.
10. She got married at fourteen.
11. She waited twenty years for him. (Omit for him.}
12. He works a 70-hour week.
admit/deny/bе suspected/ be accused of+ gerund
A: Did he say he had stolen the documents?
(a) B: Yes, he admitted stealing them.
(b) B: No, he denied stealing them.
(c) В: No, but he is suspected of stealing them.
(d) B: No, but he has been accused of stealing them.
Did he say he had...
1. forged the signature?
2. taken part in the robbery?
3. fired at the policeman?
4. attacked the cashier?
5. shot the chauffeur?
6. received the stolen goods?
7. sold the secret information?
8. given false evidence?
9. bribed the officials?
mind/object to + him/his + gerund
Tom, who has a very relaxed attitude to work, has just joined the staff- A senior employee, shocked by his behaviour, points out his "Crimes" to the manager. But the manager, who is about to retire, doesn't mind much.
A (in shocked tones): He kisses your secretary!
(a) B: Oh, I don't mind him* kissing my secretary!
But when this manager resigns and a new man is appointed, things are going to be different.
A: He kisses your secretary!
(b) B: I object to him * kissing my secretary.
* HIS is technically the more correct form, but HIM is more usual in spoken English.
He...
1. spends two hours having lunch!
2. writes his own lectures during office hours!
3. gets your secretary to type his private letters!
4. arrives late!
5. goes home early!
6. wears jeans!
7. chews gum!
8. puts his feet on the desk!
9. sleeps at his desk !
10. phones his friends from the office!
11. argues with clients !
12. parks his motor cycle in the hall!
13. drops ash on the carpet!
14. leaves burning cigarettes about!
15. smokes your cigars!
prevent +object + (from) + gerund
Next to Tom's house is a nice open, grassy place, where people come for picnics. This annoys Tom, but his friend explains that he can't do anything to stop it.
A (angrily): They park here! >
В : It's very difficult to prevent people (from) parking here.
They..
1. have picnics here! 6. lie about almost naked!
2. light fires! 7. use terrible language!
3. leave litter! 8. play their radios loudly!
4. bang their car doors! 9. fry sausages!
5. make a horrible noise!
couldn't help + gerund
A (accusingly): You got lost! B: I couldn't help getting lost.
1— 8 John wanted Bill to remain absolutely still. Bill, however, couldn't manage this.
You...
1. coughed! ' 5. smiled!
2. sneezed!- 6. moved!
3. laughed! 7. sighed!
4. shivered! -4 8. fell asleep!
9 — 16 Ann is just generally disapproving of Bill's actions.
You...
9. came in late. 13. got into debt.
10. made a noise. 14. saw what was in the letter.
11. woke the people in 15. bought that dog. the next flat. 16. wrote that letter.
12. caught a cold.
keep + gerund
The new secretary isn't a great success. A colleague tries to defend her but the boss is clearly very dissatisfied.
A: It isn't very terrible to break a cup now and then. B: But she keeps breaking cups, (stress on keeps.)
it isn 't very terrible to . now and then.
1. come late 11. forget to switch the lights off
2. go home early
3. take time off 12. look out of the window
4. make mistakes
5. mix up appoint- 13. ring up one's friends (Use her.) ments
6. argue 14. ask for days off
7. answer back
8. lose documents 15. have headaches
9. interrupt 16. switch on one's radio (Use her.) 10. leave the safe 17. spell у our name wrong (Use my.)
open
remember + gerund
Peter annoyed his host, but doesn't remember much about the
party.
A: He says you spoilt his party.
B: I don't remember spoiling his party.
He says you...
1. arrived drunk. 6. called him names.
2. brought two drunk 7. broke a vase, friends.
3. refused to leave. 8. started a fight.
4. shouted at him. 9. made an awful lot of noise.
5. swore at him.
remember + him/his etc. + gerund
Paul didn't enjoy his holiday. But Ann doesn't seem to remember various disasters.
A: Breakfast was late.
B: I don't remember it/its being late.
Use pronoun object: it, him, her, you, them, or possessive adjective: its, his, her,your, their
1. The receptionist was rude. (Use her)
2. The people opposite sang all night.
3. They forgot to bring our early morning tea.
4. They refused to clean my car.
5. The lift broke down.
6. The kitchen staff went on strike. 7.1 lost my camera. (Use you/your.)
8. The taxi drivers cheated us.
9. It rained nearly all the time. 10. The hall porter insulted me.
11.1 suffered from food poisoning.
12. The hotel overcharged us.
13. They mixed up our reservations.
stop + gerund
A disagreeable flat-mate.
A: He plays the radio all night.
(a) B: You should tell him to stop playing the radio all night.
(b) B: Why don't you tell him to stop playing the radio all
night?
He...
1. argues all the time.
2. chews tobacco.
3. sleepwalks.
4. talks to himself.
5. follows me about.
6. listens to my telephone conversations.
7. annoys the neighbours.
8. hangs his washing out of the window.
9. borrows my things.
10. uses bad language.
11. parks outside my garage.
12. steals my apples.
13. bums rubbish in the garden.
14. opens my letters.
15. is rude to my friends.
16. plays the radio all night.
stop + object + gerund
A: He played cards. His mother blamed me for it. (stress on me) B: But how could you stop him playing cards? (stress on stop or you)
Це... His mother blamed me for it.
1. left home.
2. gave up shaving.
3. grew his hair.
4. threw away his suits.
5. went about barefoot.
6. wore dirty jeans.
7. tore up his passport.
8. gave up his job.
9. lived on National Assistance.
10. got married.
11. started a family.
12. played the guitar in the Underground.
try + gerund
A: Do you think it would help if we pressed the red button? B: Yes, let's try pressing the red button.
Do you think it would help if we...
1. put the cake back in the oven?
2. cut the sandwiches the day before?
3. ate less fat?
4. took more exercise?
5. opened the windows?
6. turned down the central heating?
7. moved the piano to another room? **
8. locked the doors at night?
9. painted the ceiling dark green?
10. paid the bills weekly?
11. filled the radiator with hot water?
12. cooked it in oil?
13. washed it in cold water?
suggest + gerund
Two boys lost some of their money during the holidays.
A: Why didn't you hitch-hike home?
B: Well, I suggested hitch-hiking but Tom didn't agree.
Why didn't you.
1. leave at once?
2. look for a cheaper hotel?
3. borrow a tent?
4. sleep on the beach?
5. get a job in a restaurant?
6. offer to work as guides?
7. sell your cameras? (Use out)
8. ring me?
9. tell your parents?
want/need + gerund
A: You should tidy the garden. B: Yes, it wants/needs tidying.
You should...
1. paint your windows.
2. sweep the steps.
3. clean the yard.
4. paint the fence.
5. cut the grass.
6. water the roses.
7. pick the peaches.
8. rebuild your wall.
9. mend the fence.
fr
be afraid of/risk + gerund
Alan and Bill are discussing certain actions by Tom. Alan suggests a reason for them and Bill agrees.
A: I expect he didn't want to get wet. (a)B: Yes, I suppose he was afraid of getting wet. (b)B: Yes, he probably didn't want to risk getting wet.
I expect he didn 't want to...
1. miss his train.
2. overload the car.
3. get a parking ticket.
4. annoy the boss.
5. lose his job.
6. break his neck.
7. make things worse.
8. wake everyone up.
9. press the wrong button.
10. upset his wife.
11. catch cold.
12. spoil his new suit.
13. shock the neighbours.
14. attract attention.
be interested in + gerund
George wants Bill to co-operate with him and offers all sorts of inducements. But Bill is not ambitious.
A: You might make a lot of money!
B: But I'm not interested in making a lot of money.
You might...
1. become a celebrity!
2. be invited to marvellous parties!
3. meet important people!
4. appear on television!
5. take part in radio programmes!
6. influence public opinion!
7. travel first class all over the world!
8. see your name in lights!
9. live in luxury!
10. drive a Rolls Royce!
11. buy an island in the Pacific!
feel like + gerund
One member of the family feels energetic; the other doesn't.
(a) A: Let's go for a walk.
B: I don't feel like going for a walk, (slight stress on feel)
This could also be used as an indirect speech exercise:
(b) A: Let's go for a walk.
В (reporting A's suggestion): He suggests/suggested going for a walk.
Let's...
1. walk to the village.
2. take the dogs out.
3. climb the mountain.
4. run round the block.
5. carry the boxes upstairs.
6. play tennis.
7. swim across the river.
8. pick apples.
9. look for mushrooms.
10. move the piano.
11. tidy the cupboard.
12. sweep the stairs.
13. repaper the sitting-room.
14. paint the greenhouse.
15. rebuild the garage.
for + gerund (punish someone for/apologize for/ get into trouble for)
Tom is at a boarding school. His father has just received his half term report and is reading it out to his wife.
A: Tom broke sixteen windows during his first week! (a)B: Well, I hope they punished him for breaking sixteen windows.
(b)B: Well, I hope he apologized for breaking sixteen windows.
(с)В: Poor Tom. I expect he got into trouble for breaking sixteen windows.
Tom-
1. kicked a football through the greenhouse roof!
2. drove the headmaster's car into the village pond!
3. refused to wear uniform!
4. was rude to the teachers!
5. burnt down the gymnasium!
6. poured milk into the grand piano!
7. sold the school tape recorders!
8. cheated at exams!
9. wrote things on the walls!
10. woke everyone up when he came in!
have difficulty (in) + gerund
A: Did you find the house quite easily?
B: No, I had a lot of difficulty (in) finding the house.
Did you... quite easily?
1. fit everything into your case (Use my)
2. start the car
3. read the map
4. cross the river
5. find a place to park
6. put up the tent
7. light the fire
8. keep warm
9. understand him
10. make yourself understood
11. explain what you wanted
12. arrange a loan
it's no use/good + gerund it's no use/good me/ту + gerund
A: Why didn't you tell him? (a) B: It's no use telling him.
or
В: It's no good telling him. (b) В: It's no use me/my telling him.
Why didn't you...
1. talk to him?
2. remind him?
3. ask him?
4. complain?
5. ring him?
6. refuse?
7. threaten him?
8. offer a reward?
9. warn him?
10. go to the embassy?
11. demand compensation?
12. leave?
13. oppose him?
insist on + gerund, insist on me/ту + gerund
(a) A: Tom painted the ceiling black, didn't he?
B: Yes, he insisted on painting the ceiling black.
(b) A: You painted the ceiling black, didn't you?
B: Yes. Bill insisted on me/my painting the ceiling black.
(a) Tom... didn't he?
1. wore a tie,
2. changed trains,
3. started at midnight,
4. travelled in the guard's van,
5. sent for the Fire Brigade,
6. burnt the film,
7. took the dogs,
8. wrote to the papers,
9. slept in the attic,
10. consulted a fortune-teller,
11. fetched a doctor,
12. stopped the traffic,
13. searched the house,
14. rang the police,
15. waited till the end,
16. signed the petition,
You... didn't you'''
in spite of+ gerund
Prompt: He spends very little.
A: He is quite rich.
B: But in spite of being rich, he spend
1 Hft ant the inh hp knnw« nn ^пя
Is very little.
. He got the job. He knows no Spanish.
2. He got there first. He started last.
3. He doesn't make much progress. He practises a lot.
4. She didn't lose any weight. She dieted for six months.
5. He never made enough to live on. He worked hard.
6. He never mastered the subject. He studied for ten years.
7. He didn't take good photographs. He used very expensive cameras.
8. She never looked smart. She paid a lot for her clothes.
9. She is always late for work. She lives quite near the office.
10. He passed his exams. He did no work.
11. It didn't sell well. It was widely advertised.
12. He was always looked on as a foreigner. He spent his life in this country.
look forward to + gerund
A: When you get home you'll be able to ski, won't you? B: Yes, I'm looking forward to skiing.
ou get home you 'II be able... won 'tyou?
1. swim in the sea,
2. skate,
3. ride your horse again, (Use my.}
4. meet your friends,(Use my.)
5. speak your own language again,(Use my.}
6. fish in the river,
7. have a good holiday,
8. sunbathe,
9. take your dog for walks, (Use my.)
10. buy a lot of new clothes,
11. earn more money,
12. get a good job,
13. continue your university course, (Use my.)
14. start your training, (Use my.)
15. go out without an umbrella,
16. open a language school,
17. write a book about your experiences, (Use my.)
there's no point in + gerund, what's the point of+ gerund
A: The shops don't open till 9 but we'd better be there b> 8 (a)B: But if the shops don't open till 9 there's no point in
being there by 8. (b)B: But if the shops don't open till 9 what's the point of
being there by 8?
1. The train doesn't leave till 9 but we'd better set out for the station at 7. 2. We aren't allowed to take photos but I'll bring my camera. 3. We can't park near the theatre but we'll take the car.
4. The pills aren't any good but we may as well finish the bottle.
5. We haven't any money but let's read the menus outside restaurants. 6. It's a job for men only but I'll advise Ann to apply for it. 7. None of the guests smoke but I'll provide them with ashtrays. 8. Tom hasn't any chance of getting elected but I'll vote for him. 9. The plane doesn't land till 8 but we'd better be at the airport by 7. 10. I'm sure it's not going to rain but I'll take an umbrella. 11. They don't drink alcohol but I'll offer them gin. 12. It's too cold to swim but pack a swimsuit. 13.1 know he'll refuse but I'll ask all the same. (Omit all the same.) 14.1 don't want to buy anything but we may as well look round the shop.
succeed in + gerund
A: He reached the top in the end.
В (surprised): Oh, he succeeded in reaching it, did he?
fie... in the end.
1. passed his driving test
2. finished the portrait
3. wrote his thesis
4. started the car
5. caught the plane
6. reached the finishing line
7. repaired the radio
8. got his visa
9. solved the problem
10. climbed the mountain
11. fixed the aerial
12. found a house (Use one.)
II. Read these situations and write three sentences with used toas in the example.
eg Jane is American. She came to Britain and found driving on the left difficult.
a) At first she wasn't used to driving on the left.
b) But soon she got used to driving on the left.
c) Now she has no problems. She is used to driving on the left.
1. Juan came to England from Spain. In Spain he always had dinner late in the evening. But in England dinner was at 6 o'clock. Juan found this strange at first.
a) At first he wasn't...
b) But after some time he got...
я с) Now he finds it quite normal. He...
2. Diana is a nurse. She started working nights two years ago. At first she found it strange and didn't like it.
a) At first she...
b) But after a while...
c) Now she doesn't mind it at all. She...
Ш. Respond to the comments.
eg That production of La Boheme is terrible.
Yes, I heard/not worth
Yes, I heard it's not worth seeing.
1. That new ballet has had great reviews. — Yes, I heard/ worth 2. Should we go for a walk? It'll be dark soon. — No,/not worth/now 3. Shall we watch that new TV programme? It's supposed to be very funny. — Yes, I heard/worth 4. What's the book like? Is it good? — Yes/worth 5. What do you think of that new production of Macbeth? Is it good? — No, I didn't like it./ not worth 6. What is the car like? Is it good? — Yes, I think/ worth 7. Did you like the exhibition? — Yes, /worth
IV. Here is some information about Tom when he was a child.
1. He was in hospital when he was four. 2. He went to Paris when he was eight. 3. He fell into the river. 4. He cried on his first day at school. 5. He said he wanted to be a doctor. 6. He was bitten by a dog.
He can still remember 1, 2 and 4. But he can't remember 3, 5 and 6.
Make sentences beginning He can remember... or He can't remember...
1. He can remember being in hospital.
V. In this exercise you have to put the verb into the correct form -ingor to + infinitive.
1. Please remember (post) this letter. 2. A: You lent me some money a few months ago. B: Did I? That's strange. I don't remember (lend) you any money. 3. When you see Tom, remember (give) him my regards, won't you? 4. Someone must have taken my bag. I clearly remember (leave) it by the window and now it has gone. 5. Did you remember (phone) Ann? — Oh no, 1 completely forgot. 6. I'll never forget (visit) Istanbul in 1983. 7. Don't forget (post) the letter.
VI. Look at these sentences with the verb stop.Which one means "stop somewhere and eat something"? Which one means "quit eating somewhere "?
Why don't we stop to eat at that restaurant? Why don't we stop eating at that restaurant?
complete the following sentences according to the context.
1 . Why don't we (stop/eat) at that restaurant. It has great food. 2. Why don't we (stop/eat) at that restaurant. The food is awful. 3 . Why don't we (stop/drink) coffee? It isn't good for our health.
4. You should really (stop/smoke). It isn't good for you.
5. Would you like to (stop/have) lunch? I'm getting hungry.
6. It (stopped/rain) a few minutes ago.
7. He (stopped/talk) to his friend whom he hadn't seen for a long tune.
8. She (stopped/talk) when I entered the room. I guessed they had been talking about me.
VII. Paraphrase using without -ing.
eg She ran five miles. She didn't stop.
She ran five miles without stopping. eg He left the room. Nobody saw him.
He left the room without anyone seeing him.
1. He translated the article. He didn't use a dictionary. 2. Look right and left before you cross the road. Don't cross... 3. She got married. Nobody knew about it. 4. They came to the wedding. They were not invited. 5. He could tell the funniest joke. He didn't even smile.
VIII. In this exercise you have to read a sentence and then make a second sentence with the same meaning using gerunds.
eg I phoned Ann and then I went out. After... After phoning Ann I went out.
1 . Tom went to bed but first he had a hot drink. Before... 2. The plane took off and soon afterwards it crashed. Soon after... 3. We didn't eat at home. We went to a restaurant instead. Instead of... 4- When I woke up I felt much better. On... 5. You put people's jives in danger if you drive dangerously. You put people's lives to danger by... 5. He hurt his leg but he managed to win the race. to spite of... 6. George took more exercise and so lost weight. %••• 7. She smiled when she saw him. At... 8. After I have a short
rest I'll have my dinner. After... 9. He was busy but he helped me. In spite of...
IX. Complete each sentence using gerunds.^
*
A. 1, Do you have any objections to. 2. Is there any way of... 3. There isn't much chance of... 4. This is the most perfect instrument for... 5. She has a bad habit of. 6. What is the most effective method of... 7. He has no hope of... 8. I've got no experience in... 9.1 don't like the idea of... 10. What is the reason for... 11. You should have seen her surprise at... 12. It was very kind of you to have taken the trouble of... 13. The idea of... was extremely exciting. 14. There was little hope of... 15. If you work hard at your job, you have a good chance of... 16. At the party I had the pleasure of... 17. He displayed no interest in... 18. She hates the idea of... 19.1 have no intention of... 20. He is well-known for his skill in... 21.1 think she doesn't realise the importance of... 22. There is some risk of... 23. He is in the habit of... 24. He was born with the gift of... 25. What are the advantages of...?
B. 1. At weekends I enjoy... 2. This evening I fancy... 3. I'm looking forward to... 4. I'm thinking of... 5. This evening I feel like... 6.1 think people should stop... 7. I've always dreamed of... 8. He admitted... 9. Have you finished...? 10. She suggested... 11. I really don't mind ... 12. I normally try to avoid... 13. I anticipate... 14. We can't risk... 15. Would you mind ... so much noise? I'm trying to study. 16. You can use scissors for... 17. A vacuum cleaner is used for ... 18. She is not used to ... 19. They are excited about... 20.... is a bad habit. 21. The only remedy for such a headache as mine is... 22. We were for... 23. He was against... 24. I'm in favour of... 25. There is nothing like... 26. It's no use... 27.1 can see no sense in... 28. His hobby was... 29. We were tired of... 30. The car wants(needs)... 31. The idea is worth... 32. He left without... 33. Fancy him... 34. They didn't succeed in... 35. You are responsible for... 35.1 was surprised at...
Self check
I. Use the gerund in the active or passive form.
1.1 prefer (drive) to (drive). 2. Stop (argue) and start (work).
3 He liked neither (read) nor (read) aloud to. 4. It's no use (cry) over spilt milk, (proverb) 5. Why do you avoid (see) me? 6. He tried to avoid (see). 7.1 suggest (hold) another meeting next week, g. He finished (speak) and sat down. 9. We insist on (send) him there at once. 10. He insists on (send) there instead of me. 11. If you can't turn the key, try (put) some oil in the lock. 12. He showed no sign of (know) them. 13. She showed no sign of (impress). 14.1 was annoyed at (interrupt) every other moment. 15. You can't make an omelette without (break) eggs, (proverb) 16. He is thinking of (leave) his job and (go) to America. 17. She dreams of (invite) to the party. 18. After (read) this article you will give up (smoke). 19. On (introduce) they easily fell to (talk). 20. In (discuss) this problem they touched upon some very interesting items. 21. The equipment must go through a number of tests before (install). 22. The idea is worth (consider). 23. If you put your money into that business you risk (lose) every penny. 24. Imagine (live) with someone who never stops (talk). 25. He hates (remind) people of their duties or (remind) of his. 26. The boys were punished for (break) the window. 27. The old man could not stand (make) fun of. 28. Is there anything here worth (buy)? 29. You'd better consult the lawyer before (decide) to buy the property. 30. She was so eagerly looking forward to (give) the leading part to play that she was greatly disappointed at not even (offer) it. 31. Would you mind (put) your pet snake somewhere else? 32. By (work) day and night he succeeded in (finish) the job in time. 33. He has a scheme for (make) grass grow in winter. 34. He liked to do things without (disturb) anyone or (disturb). 35. She reproached me for not (keep) my promise. 36.1 don't feel like (work); what about (go) to a disco instead? 37. If a thing is worth (do) at all it is worth (do) well, (proverb) 38. The boy was afraid of (punish) and hid himself. 39. She seemed sorry for (be) rude to me. 40.1 hate (borrow) money. 41. After (talk) for ten minutes I succeeded in (convince) him that there was no danger. 42.1 remember (read) a review of that book and (think) I'd like to get it. 43. He stopped for a moment and then went on (speak).
"• Supply an appropriate verb form and preposition (if necessary).
1. Alice isn't interested (look) for a new job. 2. Henry is excited (leave) for India. 3. You are capable (do) better work. 4. I have
no excuse (be) late. 5. I'm accustomed (have) a big breakfast. 6. The rain prevented us (complete) the work. 7. Fred is always complaining (have) a headache. 8. Instead (study), Margaret went to a ball game with some of her friends. 9. Thank you (help) me carry the packages to the post office. 10. Mrs Grant insisted (know) the whole truth. 11. He showed us how to get to his house (draw) a map. 12. You should take advantage (live) here. 13. Laura had a good reason (go, not) to class yesterday. 14. Everyone in the neighbourhood participated (search) for the lost child. 15. I apologized to Diane (make) her wait for me. 16. The weather is terrible tonight. I don't blame you (want, not) to go to the meeting.
17. Who is responsible (wash) and (dry) the dishes after dinner1?
18. In addition (go) to school full-time, Sam has a part-time job.
19. The angry look on his face stopped me (speak) my mind.
20. Where should we go for dinner tonight? Would you object (go) to an Italian restaurant? 21. The mayor made another public statement for the purpose (clarify) the new tax proposal. 22. The thief was accused (steal) a woman's purse. 23. The jury found Mr Adams guilty (take) money from the company he worked for and (keep) it for himself. 24. Bill isn't used (wear) a suit and tie every day. 25. I'm going to visit my family during the school vacation. I'm looking forward (eat) rny mother's cooking and (sleep) in my own bed. 26.1 have a good reason (be) late. 27. It's getting late. I'm worried (miss) my train. 28. I'm not used (drive) in the mountains. 29. Nothing can stop me (go) there. 30.1 apologized to my friend (be) late. 31. When Beth got tired, she stopped (work). 32. Would you mind (open) the door? Thanks. 33. The police officer told him to stop, but he kept (drive). 34.1 enjoy (have) a long walk every morning. 35. I would like to have some friends over. I'm thinking (invite) them to a dinner party. 36. He told a really funny joke. We couldn't stop (laugh)! 37. Where are you considering (go) for vacation. 38. Sometimes I put off (do) my homework. 39.1 quit (read) comic books when I was twelve years old. 40. You can't postpone (make) that decision much longer. 41.1 wanted to go to Mexico. Sally suggested (go) to Hawaii. 42. Tony mentioned (take) the bus to school instead of walking. 43.1 appreciate (be) able to study in peace and quiet. 44. We went (sail) yesterday and enjoyed it very much. 45. Instead (ask) for help on each arithmetic problem, you should use your book and try to figure out the answers yourself. 46.1 look forward (see) you next time I'm in town. I'll let
u know ahead of time so that we can plan to get together. 47. Alice told us that she was tired (wash) the dishes every night. 48. The four-year-old was blamed (break) the glass candy dish. 49.1 tried to prevent him (come). 50. You should listen to other people instead (talk) about yourself all the time. 51. What do you feel (have) for dinner? Does chicken and rice sound good? 52. Frank believes animals should be protected from hunters. He objects (kill) wild animals for sport. 53. Please don't argue (finish) your homework. Just do it. 54. Mario spent all month preparing for the tennis match, but in spite (practise) for many hours, he lost the match to Ivan. 55. She is thinking (become) a rock star. 56.1 can't stand (watch) romantic films. 57.1 have difficulty (get) to school on time. 58. He is good (organize) parties. 59. He is fond (collect) things. 60. He insisted (give) that job. 61. These shoes want (mend). 62. The baby liked (wash). 63.1 don't see any way (do) it.
III. Translate from Russian into English.
Gerund as subject, complement of subject
1. Переходить реку в этом месте опасно. 2. Сон на открытом воздухе очень полезен. 3. Играть в теннис интересно. 4. Курение опасно для здоровья. 5. То, что они ушли до окончания концерта, привлекло внимание. 6. Изучение иностранного языка занимает длительное время. 7. Интересно встречать новых людей. 8. Спорить с ним — это только понапрасну терять время. 9. Работа учителя требует терпения и мастерства. 10. Тратить деньги легче, чем их зарабатывать. 11. Слушать его рассказы интересно. 12. Эта работа отнюдь не легкая. 13. Тем, что ты будешь надоедать ему, ты только рассердишь его больше. 14. Занятия спортом принесли ей большую пользу. 15. Важно ежедневно заниматься утренней гимнастикой. 16. Мой любимый вид спорта — плавание. 17. Ее мечта — стать артисткой. 18. Ее хобби — вышивание. 19. В такое время года есть только одна возможность добраться туда — это самолетом.
Verb + gerund
1- Дождь помешал мне придти вовремя. 2. Вам следует прекратить купаться в море, так как погода стала очень холодной.
3. Я поблагодарил его за то, что он купил такие интересные книги. 4. Я помню, что меня уже спрашивали об этом. 5 я думаю поехать в Крым осенью. 6. Доктор велел ей избегать сидеть на солнце. 7. Он рискует тем, что может потерять все свои деньги. 8. Я сожалею о том, что поделилась с ней своей тайной. 9. Он непрерывно посматривал на часы и ровно в 3 сказал, что должен уйти. 10. Вы не возражаете, если я воспользуюсь вашим телефоном? 11. Когда мы услышали конец рассказа, мы не могли не рассмеяться. 12. Вы можете рассчитывать на то, что он даст вам точную информацию. 13. Доктор настаивает на том, чтобы он провел отпуск на юге. 14. Продолжайте рассказывать вашу историю. 15. Он не любил, koi да ему читали. 16. Пол необходимо покрасить. 17. Я терпеть не могу стоять в очередях. 18. Она отрицала, что встречалась с ним раньше. 19. Ребенок заслуживает, чтобы его похвали щ 20. Я помню, что покупала эту книгу, но не помню, куда я се положила. 21. Моя сестра приезжает в мае. Я с нетерпением жду встречи с ней. 22. Твой костюм нужно погладить. 23. Благодарю вас за то, что вы присмотрели за моим ребенком. 24. Извините, что я еще раз беспокою вас. 25. Хотя было поздно, он продолжал работать. 26. Я думаю вам понравится жить в этой гостинице. 27. Мы не можем положиться на то, что он закончит эту работу в срок. 28. Ей очень нравится, когда ее хвалят. 29. Он возражал против того, чтобы его положили в бочь-ницу. 30. Мне не хочется идти в ресторан. Я бы предпочла сходить в кино. 31. Я помню что-то слышал об этой пьесе. Стоит ли ее посмотреть? 32. Все зависит от того, выиграют ли они этот матч. 33. Его обвинили в том, что он украл деньги. 34 А теперь мне надо упаковывать вещи. Мы уезжаем завтра утром. 35. Я предлагаю записать этот отрывок на магнитофон. 36. Не будете ли вы любезны немного подождать? Ваши документы еще не готовы. 37. Он пытался бросить курить, но ему это не удалось. 38. Простите, что я опоздал. 39. Студенты не могут не волноваться перед экзаменами. 40. Они мечтают о том, чтобы | их сын стал врачом. 41. Я предвкушаю хороший отдых на каникулах. 42. Он признал, что встречался с ней раньше. 43. Я не припоминаю, чтобы я встречал его раньше. 44. Где Аня? — Она остановилась, чтобы поговорить с Леной. 45. Не забудь отослать письмо. 46. Нам удалось достать билеты на концерт. 47. ОН извинился за то, что заставил меня ждать. 48. Пожалуйста, из-
вини меня за то, что я тебе не писал. 49. Я хочу удержать его от поездки в Сибирь. 50. Я поздравил его с тем, что он сдал экзамен. 51. Она настаивает на том, чтобы ему разрешили принять участие в соревнованиях. 52. Разве ты забыла, что ты дала мне свои кассеты? 53. Я не знаю, где найти работу. — Почему бы тебе не попробовать поместить объявление в газету? 54. Перестань надоедать ей глупыми вопросами. 55. Ему удалось закончить работу к концу недели. 56. Я откладывал чтение этого неприятного письма до последнего момента. 57. Они только что кончили писать сочинение. 58. Шторм помешал кораблю прибыть в порт вовремя.
Adjective + gerund
1. Он привык рано вставать. 2. Она боялась, что ее будут оперировать. 3. Он страстно увлекается рыбалкой. 4. Мы удивились, увидев ее. 5. Он ответственен за то, чтобы работа была закончена в срок. 6. Я был разочарован тем, что они отказались помочь мне. 7. Я устал ждать ее. 8. Он был занят переводом какой-то статьи, когда я пришел. 9. Она не привыкла получать подарки и была удивлена, увидев на столе великолепные розы. 10. Он хорошо рисует. 11. Он гордится тем, что стал студентом. 12. Мой друг увлекается коллекционированием марок. 13. Я доволен, что мой сын занялся искусством. 14. Она очень хорошо плавает. 15. Он был возмущен, когда услышал это. 16. Вы интересуетесь фигурным катанием?
17. Дети были взволнованы предстоящей поездкой за город.
18. Он уверен в том, что сдаст экзамен. 19. Он боялся, что его неправильно поймут 20. Она была разочарована тем. что не встретила его там вновь. 21. Его признали виновным в воровстве. 22. Я думаю, что он не способен на обман.
Noun + gerund
У меня нет надежды увидеть его скоро. 2. Мысль провести каникулы на Волге принадлежит моему брату. 3. Он понимает важность изучения иностранных языков. 4. Он выразил большое удивление, услышав это. 5. Я имел удовольствие познакомиться с вашим отцом на днях. 6. У него плохая привычка курить перед завтраком. 7. У вас нет оснований
причины подозревать его. 8. У меня нет намерения ехать на юг этим летом. 9. Вы думаете у него есть шанс сдать экзамен? 10. Я не имею возражений против того, чтобы они приехали сюда. 11. У него мало опыта в преподавании английского языка. 12. У него было такое чувство, что за ним следят. 13. Какие современные методы обучения иностранным языкам используются в вашем университете? 14. У меня нет надежды, что мне дадут эту роль. 15. Я слышал, что вы отказались от мысли путешествовать по Европе. 16. У нас хорошая возможность выиграть матч.
Preposition +gerund
1. Вы можете улучшить свое произношение, читая вслух каждый день. 2. Я не смогу перевести этот текст, не посмотрев нескольких слов в словаре. 3. Мы сократили путь, переплыв реку. 4. Я зайду к вам перед тем, как уеду из Минска. 5. Придя домой, я сразу начал делать домашнее задание. 6. Он вошел в комнату, не постучав. 7. Он послал письмо вместо того, чтобы послать телеграмму. 8. После того как он провел месяц в Лондоне, он уехал в Варшаву. 9. Услышав эту новость, она побледнела. 10. Просматривая журналы, он«на-толкнулся на очень интересную статью по экономике Англии. 11. Он выглядит бодрым и веселым, как всегда, несмотря на то, что провел бессонную ночь в поезде. 12. Услышав крик ребенка, мать бросилась в детскую. 13. Он ушел, не назначив встречи. 14. Перед тем как лечь спать, он решил написать письмо своим родителям. 15. Увидев вдали автобус, я бросилась бежать к остановке. 16. После окончания школы она стала работать секретарем. 17. Она разорвала письмо, не читая его. 18. Проверяя годовой отчет, бухгалтер обнаружил ошибку. 19. Вместо того чтобы поехать на автобусе, они пошли пешком и опоздали на концерт. 20. Он пришел без приглашения.
Expressions + gerund
1. Бесполезная трата времени — смотреть детективы. 2. Нет смысла обсуждать этот вопрос в его отсутствие. 3. Его советы полезны, им стоит следовать. 4. Этот фильм стоит посмот-
петь. 5. Бесполезно идти туда сейчас. 6. Я с трудом нашел его дом. 7. Вчера мы рыбачили, а сегодня поедем кататься на лодке. 8. Не стоит упоминать об этом происшествии./Оно не заслуживает внимания./ 9. Бесполезно звонить ему, его в это вре-мя не бывает дома. 10. Стоит ли читать эту книгу? 11. Я с трудом перевел текст. 12. Вокзал недалеко отсюда. Нет смысла брать такси. 13. Бесполезно спорить с ней. Она уверена в своей правоте. 14. Сегодня утром мы ходили купаться.
Fluency •Listen, read and practise.
Jenny: I'm reading about recycling. Recycling is important for our environment. Do you know what it is?
Nick: Of course I know what it is.
Jenny: It means collecting things and using them again. Things like glass or paper.
Nick: Yes, that's right. It means not polluting our world.
A. Recall the sentences with gerunds.
B. Roleplay the conversation.
C. Now put the gerunds in the sentences.
eg ... stamps is an interesting hobby.
Collecting stamps is an interesting hobby.
1. ... waste glass and paper is called "recycling". 2. ... is a healthy sport. 3.... a Mersedes is expensive. 4.... to loud music is bad for your father's ears. 5. ... too much television gives Mrs Bell a headache. 6.... your room is boring. 7.... money is sensible. 8-... money is fun! 9.... books is one of Jenny's favourite hobbies. 10.... football is Tom's favourite hobby.
Make sentences with the same meaning by using a gerund as the subject.
eg It is important to get daily exercise. Getting daily exercise is important.
I. It is fun to meet new people. 2. It is easy to cook rice. 3. It is boring to spend the whole weekend in the dorm. 4. It is relaxing to take-a long walk. 5. Is it difficult to learn a second language? 6. It isn't hard to make friends. 7. It is wrong to cheat during a test. 8. Is it dangerous to smoke cigarettes? 9. Is it expensive to live in an apartment? 10. It isn't easy to live in a foreign country. 11. It takes time to make new friends.
Now you have to complete the sentences using gerunds
eg My hobby is ...
My hobby is fishing.
1. My brother's hobby is... 2. My favourite sport is... 3. Her favourite pastime is... 4. My ambition is... 5. His aim is... 6. Her job was... 7. The first thing to do was... 8. Her ambition is... 9. His intention is... 10. The only way out was... 11. Her dream is... 12. My hobby is...
Using your own words, complete the sentences using gerund phrases as subjects.
eg ... isn't easy.
Climbing to the top of a mountain isn't easy, eg ... is a demanding job.
Managing a major corporation is a demanding job.
1.... wears me out. 2.... can be difficult. 3.... turned out to be a mistake. 4.... will only add to your problems. 5.... has changed my life. 6.... requires great skill and concentration. 7.... demands patience and a sense of humour. 8.... is a complicated process. 9. . was a real disappointment. 10. ... looks easy. D. Alan is planning an uncomfortable expedition. Bill isn't enthusiastic.
A: We'll have to walk twenty miles a day.
B: Well, I won't come if it means walking twenty miles a day
We 'II have to .
1. get up at five.
2. set off at dawn.
3. tell no one where we're going.
4. hitch-hike.
5. row across the Channel.
6. cycle for hundreds of miles.
7. carry heavy rucksacks.
8. swim across lakes.
9. climb mountains. 10. camp in the snow.
\ . The phone rang a few seconds ago. Someone wants to speak to Arthur.
"I'm awfully sorry," his secretary is saying. "Mr Tigers has gone out. He'll be back at 3. Would you mind phoning then?"
2. Tom Atkins has to do the dishes because Susan's father is in hospital and she has gone to visit him. Tom does not like washing dishes. In fact, he hates washing them.
"I wonder if you'd mind helping me?" he is saying to Peter.
3. Fred Collins joined the army a few months ago. He does not like being a soldier. In fact, he hates it. He hates carrying a heavy rifle and wearing a uniform. He also hates getting up early. All the other soldiers have already got up. "I wonder if you'd mind closing that window, Sergeant?" Fred is saying.
4. Frank Martin is in hospital. He has had to give up smoking and drinking beer, too. The doctor says these things are very bad for him. Susan is visiting him now. "Susan, I wonder if you'd mind bringing some cigarettes next time?" he is saying to her.
5. This is a political meeting. It has got out of control. The chairman is telling people to stop doing certain things. At first he tried to be polite. "Would you mind not waving that red flag?" he said a few minutes ago. Now he is shouting "Stop waving that red flag!" A group of men are shouting "freedom", two others are blowing trumpets, another group is singing and a few men are fighting.
4- 1. Make questions with stopusing the prompts:
eg Prompt; that terrible noise
Response: Would you please stop making that terrible noise?
Prompts:
a) those letters b) that guitar c) the radio d) those cheap cigarettes e) the phone so much f) your dictionary g) so many sweets h) that book i) that song j) that trumpet
2. Now use the same prompts for examples with the verb mind
eg that terrible noise — Would you mind not making that terrible noise?
those letters — Would you mind typing those letters now, please?
3. Make questions (with and without not).
eg Would you ' waiting for me
Would they coming back later
Would she mind (not) having a new one Would he seeing him tomorrow
With someone else, practise asking and answering the questions using the following very frequent short answer forms-
i) Yes, I (etc.) would. v) Of course he (etc.) ii) No, I (etc.) wouldn't. would(n't).
iii) Not at all. vi) I expect so.
iv) Of course not. vii) I don't think so.
eg — Would you mind my smoking here?
— No, I wouldn't. (Of course not.)
4. Using the structure "I wonder... ", ask very polite questions. Use the answers given above to work with someone else.
eg — I wonder if you'd mind lending me your dictionary.
— Of course not.
eg — I wonder if he would mind me (my) using his car.
— I don't think so.
Julia and Jim are in a pub. They are standing at the bar. In English pubs, you always have to go to the bar to get your drink. Nobody will ask you what you want if you sit down at a table first. Jim has just paid for their drinks.
Barman: And here's your change, sir.
Jim: Thank you.
Julia: Can we sit somewhere, Jim? I don't like standing
here.
Jim: All right. Look! There's a table over there. Come on. Julia: (sitting down) This is much more comfortable. I
think women look terrible standing at the bar. Jim: Really? I don't think so. Anyway, cheers! Julia: Cheers!
Jim: Would you like a cigarette? Julia: No, thanks. I've decided to give up smoking. Jim: Really? Why? Julia: Well... it's just that I think if you don't enjoy doing
something any more you should stop doing it. Jim: I see. You mean you don't enjoy smoking any more? Julia: That's right. You should give it up, too. It's bad for
your health Jim: Stop talking like my mother. That's what she keeps
saying. Julia: But it's true. It's a nasty habit. I can't think why I
ever started. Anyway, it's obviously got you in its grip! Jim: What do you mean? What are you talking about? Julia: I mean you couldn't give it up! Jim: Who? Me? Couldn't give up smoking? Nonsense!
Of course I could! I know I could! Julia: How do you know? Jim: Because I've already proved it. Smoking's the easiest
thing in the world to give up. I've done it hundreds
of times!
A. Questions
1. Why does Julia want to sit down somewhere? 2. What does Jim say just before he takes his first sip from his drink? 3. What has she decided to give up? 4. Ask and answer why she has decided to give up smoking. 5. What does Jim say when Julia tells him he should give up smoking? 6. Jim thinks giving up smoking is very hard, doesn't he?
Я Recall
Without looking at the text, see if you can remember some of the things Jim and Julia said.
Julia: think/women/terrible/bar.
Jim: a cigarette?
Julia: No/decided.
Jim: You mean/don't enjoy/any more?
Julia: right, you should/too, health.
Jim: Stop/mother, keeps.
C. Roleplay the conversation.
D. In this Unit, we have practised some verbs which are followed by the -ing form of a verb:
mind; hate; like; give up; stop; enjoy; keep (on). Remember these sentences:
a) Would you mind helping me? Would you mind not waving that red flag? I wonder if you'd mind closing that window.
b) Tom hates washing dishes.
c) Fred does not like being a soldier.
d) Frank has had to give up smoking.
e) Stop waving that red flag!
f) You mean you don't enjoy smoking any more?
g) That's what my mother keeps saying.
E. Complete these sentences
a) I've just given up... b) Why don't you stop... c) Do you like... d) Do you really enjoy... e) We don't mind... f) I hate . g) You really ought to give up... h) Shall I stop... i) Will you please stop... j) I wonder if you'd mind ...
F. Give advice to these people. Use "You 'd better give up/stop
a) A friend who spends all his money.
b) A man who is putting on weight.
c) A light sleeper who always drinks coffee before he goes to bed.
d) A young girl who always drives very fast.
e) A student who has an exam next month, but who goes out every evening.
G. Write 5 true sentences about things you like, enjoy or hate
doing
Write 5 true sentences using stop or give up.
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