Gerundial Complex

When a Gerund is used with an attribute - a noun in the possessive case (for persons) or general case (for objects) or a pronoun in the possessive (or objective) case we call the phrase a Gerundial Complex. It is translated into Russian as a subordinate clause, as a rule.

E.g. I don't mind his staying from classes tomorrow.-

Я не возражаю против того, что он не придет на занятия завтра.

We insisted on the document being signed at once. –

Мы наcтаиваем на том, чтобы документ был подписан сразу.

 

Ex.6. Translate the sentences below. See the difference in translating the Gerund and the Gerundial Complex.

1. I remember leaving a message for you, why didn't you get it?

2. We didn't know about his leaving home so early.

3. The doctor insists on examining the patient again.

4. They were interested in his examining all the facts in detail.

5. All the family and friends were looking forward to your coming to see us.

6. I am used to coming home late.

7. They apologized for being so rude to their sister.

8. She regrets their having been not so nice to her.

9. My colleague hates being criticized.

10. We insisted on their not criticizing the student's paper too much.

11. There is a chance of me being sent on business next week.

12. He hates being sent on errands.

13. The parents are proud of having such a hard-working son.

14. We liked their answering the letter so promptly.

15. They approve of the company having signed the agreement.

16. I hope you don't object to lending me your dictionary for a fortnight.

17. No wonder they were disappointed at his not letting them know of his arrival.

18. I'm sick and tired of working day and night.

19. They will be responsible for the laboratory completing the task in time.

20. The students were greatly interested in conducting such kind of experiments.

21. His habit of forgetting to do things in time is very sad.

22. Though I have got used to them leaving the room in a mess I can't stand seeing it.

 

Ex.7. Use Gerundial Complex instead of subordinate clauses:

1. Do you mind if I shut the door?

2. There is no chance that they will meet him here.

3. Would you mind if we came a little later than usual?

4. Will they object if I smoke here?

5. The doctor insisted that the boy should stay in bed for a couple of days.

6. Is there any hope that they will receive the telegram tonight?

7. We have heard that your daughter has passed all her examinations.

8. Mike can't stand when his sister behaves this way.

9. We were told that Mr. Black would arrive the next day.

10. The boy felt proud as his brother had won the competition.

11. Roger mentioned that Carl was against moving to the new place.

12. Everyone congratulated the student because he had made an excellent report at the seminar.

13. He doesn't seem to be surprised that the girl has made great progress in her English.

14. There was no possibility that Charles was informed about the matter.

15. They have read in the paper that the forum will take place in Berlin.

16. Nobody was afraid that I could miss the train.

Ex 8. Translate the sentences. Mind different ways of translating Gerund

into Russian.

1. Excuse me for being so inconsiderate.

2. The work is still very far from being completed.

3. We enjoy listening to good music in the evening.

4. When I entered the room he was busy translating the article.

5. It is useless starting all over again.

6. I remember having seen him before.

7. Her great pleasure was travelling to see new places.

8. He insisted on my returning soon.

9. After sleeping for about half an hour he was awakened by a loud noise in the hall.

10. He dreams of becoming a traveller.

11. We were told of Mr. White's arriving next week.

12. What is worth doing is worth doing well.

13. I couldn't help telling my sister about our trip.

14. The committee is against the seminar being held in September.

15. They kept joking though the situation was getting serious.

16. Do you mind my interfering in your talk?

17. The man was accused of committing a crime.

18. We disapprove of our children devoting too much time to reading detective novels.

19. I'm used to your making fun of everything.

20. They insist on some measures being taken immediately.

21. His way of arguing over the subject is most annoying.

22. The authorities don't mind considering the papers now.

23. What is the reason for John being so upset?

24. Trying to make excuses won't help.

25. There is little hope of the schedule being changed.

 

Ex.9. Answer the questions using the Gerund or Gerundial complex. Develop your answers into situations.

1. Do you remember going to school for the first time?

2. What do you blame him for?

3. What kind of films do you consider worth seeing?

4. Which do you prefer for breakfast, tea or coffee?

5. What ways of memorizing new words do you find most effective?

6. What work are you busy doing now?

7. Do you take much interest in reading newspapers?

8. What are his reasons for taking up computer science?

9. Do you ever leave your friend's place without saying good-bye?

10. Why are you so fond of leaving things to the last day?

11. What will you do in July instead of going to the seaside?

12. Do you think there is much hope for his passing the exams well?

13. How do you like the idea of staying in the country over the next weekend?

14. What do you dream of doing now?

15. Do you find any difficulty in communicating with the native speakers of English?

 

Ex.10. Translate into English using Gerund:

1. Я слышал о том, что вы приходите сюда очень часто.

2. Мы настояли, чтобы обсуждение началось немедленно.

3. Он возражает против того, чтобы мы встретились на следующей неделе.

4. Мы отвечаем за то, чтобы работа была закончена вовремя.

5. Я помню, что она говорила мне об этом, но мы не решили этот вопрос.

6. Я не против того, чтобы они провели лето в деревне.

7. Извините, что я не позвонил вам вчера.

8. Вы можете рассчитывать на точность этой информации.

9. Я думаю поехать туда осенью.

10. Мы привыкли вставать рано.

11. У нас нет причины обсуждать этот вопрос завтра.

12. Нет смысла говорить об этом после стольких лет.

13. Мы слышали, что его послали на международную конференцию.

14. Я бросил курить в прошлом году.

15. У нас нет намерения излагать свою точку зрения сейчас.

16. Я не помню, чтобы я встречал его раньше.

17. Получив ответ из Москвы, мы смогли продолжить работу с документами.

18. Спасибо, что вы пришли навестить нас.

19. Нет ничего плохого в том, чтобы сделать это.

20. Как Вы думаете, у Вас будут затруднения в решении этого вопроса?

21. Есть много способов выразить им Вашу благодарность.

22. Какой толк от того, что я пойду к врачу?

23. Что если мы пойдем в театр вечером?

24. Вместо того, чтобы спорить Вы бы лучше изучили этот вопрос.

25. Прежде чем делать задания, прочитай, пожалуйста, правила.

26. Избегайте говорить с такими людьми.

27. Очень немногие люди способны смеяться над собой.

28. Избегайте касаться этого вопроса в разговоре с ней.

29. Какой смысл волноваться? От тебя ничего не зависит.

30. Я не привык завтракать так рано.

 

Read the jokes. Point out the Gerund.

 

1.	–	Any fishing around here?
	–	Some.
	–	What do you catch?
	–	You said "fishing", not "catching".
2.	–	What on earth do you mean by telling Mary that I am a fool.
	–	Heavens! I'm sorry - was it a secret?
3.	–	You say you are suffering from a skin infection. Do you think it was caused by biting insects?
	–	No, I think it was caused by insects biting me.
4.	–	What's the idea of your wearing my raincoat?
	–	Well, you wouldn't want your new suit to get wet, would you?
5.	Never tell a woman a secret. She will either think it is not worth keeping or it is too good to keep.