Syntactical and morphological characteristics of the Gerund.

The G is a non-finite form of the verb with some noun features. It is formed by adding the suffix –ing to the stem of the verb. The verbal character of G is manifested morphologically in the categories of voice and correlation and syntactically in its combinability. Thus, it may combine with a noun or a pronoun as direct, indirect or prepositional object, depending on the verb from which it is formed. It may also combine with an adverb or a prepositional phrase as an AM, or with a noun or adjective as a predicative. The category of correlation.

The category of correlation in P1 finds it expression in the contrast of the non-perfect & perfect forms. The indefinite G denotes an action simultaneous with that expressed by the finite verb. Ex.: I improve/ I improved/ I will improve my pronunciation… by listening to tape recordings. The perfect G denotes an action prior to the action denoted by thr finite verb. Ex.: I regret/ I regretted/ I will always regret… having uttered these words. The non-perfect G is more flexible in meaning and may easily be modified by the context. The common G is generally used after verbs of recollection, gratitude, blame, reproach, punishment & reward. Ex.: I will never forget taking this exam. Thank u for helping me. The non-perfect G is to be found in gerundial phrases introduced by the prepositions on and after. Ex.: On reaching the end of the street we turned towards the river. The non-perfect G expresses a succeeding action after verbs, adjectives & prepositions implying reference to a future event (intend, insist, object, suggest) & after the preposition before: Ex.: I insist on your staying with us. Ann suggested going to the cinema. The category of voice. The active G points out that the action is directed from the subject, the passive G indicates that the action is directed towards the subject: Ex.: I hate interrupting people. - I hate being interrupted. The perfect passive G is very rarely used. There are some verbs (need, want, require, deserve) & the adjective worth which are followed by an active G with passive meaning. (Your hair needs cutting. This house wants painting.) Syntactical functions of the Gerund. The G can perform any syntactical function performed by a noun. It may function (a) alone, without modifiers, or (b) as the headword of a gerundial phrase, or (c) as part of a gerundial predicative construction. Ex.: a) I like driving. b) I like playing the piano. c) I like Ann’s playing the piano.

4. Verbals as a Subject and Part of a Compound Nominal Predicate. G as a Subject.As a rule the G as subject stands in front position.Ex.: Ann’s coming tomorrow will make all the difference.

The subject stands in postposition in sentences opening with an introductory it, which happens when the meaning of the subject is accentuated & the predicate is a phrase such as to be (of) no use, to make all the (no) difference. Ex.: U’ll make no difference your being quite. In sentences with the introductory there the G is preceded by the negative pronoun no. such sentences are usually emphatic.

Ex.: Well, there is no avoiding him now. G as a Part of a Compound Nominal Predicate.As predicative the G may express either (a) a state or (b) identity. In the second case the predicative of identity reveals the meaning of the subject. Ex.: a) Peter was against your joining us. b) Ann’s hobby is collecting all sorts of bugs & butterflies.

Note: Also – Do u feel like going for a walk? Inf. as a Subject.

The Inf. functioning as an subj. may either precede the predicate or follow it. In the later case it is introduced by the introductory it: It’s so silly to be fussy& jealous. The function of the can be performed by the Inf. of any voice, aspect and correlation form. Inf. as a Part of a Compound Nominal Predicate. In the function of a predicate the Inf. is used in CNP after the link verb to be:Ex.: His dearest wish was to have a son. The subj. of the Inf. predicative is either an Inf. or a noun. In either case the Inf. is used with the particle to. The use of the Inf. as a predicative has some peculiarities. 1) In sentences with an Inf. subject the predicative Inf. denotes an action that follows the action of the subject Inf.. Ex.:To see her was to admire her. 2) The set of nouns that can function as the subject of a CNP with an Inf. predicative is very limited. It includes about 50 nouns describing situations: action, duty, experience, function, habit, idea, job, plan, risk, wish. 3) The function of the subj. may be also performed by the pronoun all or the substantivized superlatives the most & the least with an attributive clause attached to them: All he wanted was to be left alone. The least I can expect is to have this day all to myself. 4) Occasionally the function of the subj. can be performed by a G or a what-clause: living with hemophilia was to live off balance all the time. ‘’what we want to do’’, said Ann, ‘’is to fight a world.’’ P1 as a Part of a Compound Nominal Predicate. (Predicative) In the position of predicative only non-perfect P1 active occurs, its adjectival character being predominant. The P in this position gives the qualitative assessment of the subject. Ex.: the story is amusing. – I find the story amusing.

As seen, the verbal traits of the P are not manifested at all. In many cases P1 may have a synonymous adjective: amusing-funny.

P1 as predicative can be distinguished from P1 as part of the continuous form with the help of its distribution: Ex.: The children are amusing = they seem amusing to me. But: They are amusing me.

P1 as predicative may be used with other link verbs, in which case it may keep its verbal character, as in: Ex.: Isadora remained standing.

P2 as a Part of a Compound Nominal Predicate.The CNP consists of a link verb (be, look, get, seem, turn, remain) & a predicative (which can be expressed by P2).Ex.: She looked worried. He seemed delighted to see me again. In this function P2 denotes a state, as in:

Ex.: You seem surprised. Active P2 used predicatively:т Ex.: The sun is not risen. Everybody is gone.

Date: 2015-12-11; view: 1693