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THE GERUNDIAL CONSTRUCTION (COMPLEX)As all predicative constructions the Gerundial Construction consists of two elements: the nominal and the verbal. The nominal element can be expressed by a noun in the possessive case or by a possessive pronoun. In Modern English informal usage there is a tendency to replace the possessive pronoun by the objective case of the personal pronoun and the noun in the possessive case by the noun in the common case. The verbal element of the construction can be expressed by any form of the gerund, though there is a tendency to avoid the perfect forms of the gerund, even when logically suitable. You can’t depend on the weather being fine for anything you plan in England. In this gerundial construction the nominal element “the weather” is expressed by a common noun in the common case. I’m depending on you coming. In this gerundial construction the nominal element “you” is expressed by a personal pronoun in the objective case. You can rely upon his being discreet. In this gerundial construction the nominal element “his” is expressed by a possessive pronoun. We think it most dangerous Stephen’s climbing the mountain alone. In this gerundial construction the nominal element “Stephen’s” is expressed by a proper noun in the possessive case.
The relations between the elements of the gerundial construction are predicative. The action or the state named by the gerund in the gerundial construction is performed by the person or something denoted by the noun or the pronoun of the nominal element. We didn't count on so many people being on vacation = We didn't expect that so many people would be on vacation. I regret his ever having raised the matter. The incident resulted in his being dismissed from his job.
The gerundial construction can function in a sentence as a complex part of the sentence.
The gerundial construction as complex subject. 1.1.
It's no use your talking to her. Let me do it.- "Your talking to her" is a complex subject expressed by a gerundial construction.
1.2
Jim’s learning rules without example is useless. – “Jim’s learning rules without example “is a complex subject expressed by a gerundial construction.
The gerundial construction as complex predicative
I'm all for pubs staying open all day. - “Pubs staying open all day” is a complex predicative expressed by a gerundial construction. Are you for or against her staying here?
The gerundial construction as complex direct object
Fancy him saying that to you, of all people. - “Him saying that to you” is a complex direct object expressed by a gerundial construction. Do you mind me smoking? I appreciate your making the effort to come.
Date: 2015-12-24; view: 8457
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