The Gerund as Subject.

1.1.

It's no use crying over spilt milk. - 'Crying' is the gerund which is used in the function of the subject.

It's no use complaining (spoken).

It's useless arguing with him.

It's no good telling him. He wouldn’t listen

When he's in one of his moods, it's useless trying to discuss anything with him.

What good is it asking her?

NOTE:

1. In this sentence pattern mostly a non-perfect form of the gerund is used

2. Occasionally the variant of this sentence pattern 'there is no use' can be found: There is no use doing this again. Is there (it) any use trying to phone her?

3. After 'useless' the infinitive is also possible: It's useless to speculate without more information.

1.2.

It was fun driving to the north of Scotland.- 'Driving ' is the gerund which is used in the function of the subject in the sentences with the anticipatory (introductory) “it”.

It's pointless arguing with him.

It's a natural thing being there alone with Nature.

1.3.

Learning to ski has always been an ambition of his. - 'Learning ' is the gerund which is used in the function of the subject.

Writing a book was a more difficult job than he'd thought.

Shaking your head for 'No' is not universal.

Living such a long way from the supermarket can be very inconvenient.

Leaving your car unlocked is just inviting someone to steal it.

NOTE: This pattern is usually found is general statements.

1.4.

There can be no going back.- 'Going back' is the gerund which is used in the function of the subject.

There is no accounting for tastes.

There is no regretting my decision.

The project must go ahead: there can be no turning back.

NOTE:

1. A variant of this pattern to express prohibitions can be found in public notices.

No camping. No fishing. No trespassing. No smoking.

2. Occasionally in American English the variant of this sentence pattern 'it is no doing something 'can be found'. There's /it's/ no asking her – she doesn't know anything.

Exercise 3. In each of the following sentences add a suitable subject:

1. Drinking lots of water is supposed to be good for your complexion.

2. ………….causes a lot of unnecessary accidents every year.

3. ………….is much less popular than it was twenty years ago.

4. ………….is by far the most common way of spending the evening.

5. …………often makes you appreciate the things you took for granted in your own country.

6. …………is a classic time-eater.

7. …………is a good way of losing weight and getting fit.

8. ………...in poor light can damage your eyesight.

9. …………is my favourite way of relaxing.

10. ……….is a sign of nervousness or stress.

The Gerund as Part of the Compound Predicate.

The Gerund can be used as part of different types of predicates:

as Part of the Compound Nominal Predicate proper - (the Predicative);

as Part of a Compound Verbal Phasal Predicate

The Gerund as Part of the Compound Nominal Predicate (the Predicative)

2.1.1.

Seeing is believing.- 'Believing' is the gerund which is used in the function of a predicative.

2.1.2.

His favourite pastime is knitting.- 'Knitting' is the gerund in the function of the predicative.

His favourite occupation is fishing.

The worst part was having to wait three hours in the rain.

David's hobby is collecting stamps.

What I like is reading books.

2.1.3.

I don't feel like walking. - 'Walking' is the Gerund which is used in the function of the predicative.

I'm for saying nothing.

I'm all for giving people more freedom.

I feel like going for a swim. Do you want to come?

He was so rude I felt like slapping his stupid face.

He's not really up to seeing any visitors.

2.2. The gerund as Part of the Compound Verbal Phasal Predicate

2.2.1.

It has stopped raining (snowing). - 'Raining' is the gerund which is used in the function of a part of the compound verbal phasal predicate.

Everyone in the room burst out laughing.

You just have to keep on trying.

I finished typing the report just minutes before it was due.

Why don't you give up smoking?

2.2.2.

Then the baby started crying.

It's starting to rain.

I began teaching in 1984.

After waiting for half an hour she was beginning to get angry.

How can you continue to work / continue working with all that noise going on?

2.2.3.

Go on talking. - 'Talking' is the gerund which is used in the function of a part of the compound verbal phasal predicate.

You can't go on working without a break.

Compare:

We went on to discuss finance (the same topic, but introducing a new aspect of it). - He went on working until he was 91. (continued)

Date: 2015-12-24; view: 1974