2015-08-21
1403
The gerund is the non-finite verb form which also combines the properties of the verb with those of a noun. Similar to the infinitive, it serves as the verbal name of the process, but it has a stronger substantive quality. As different from the infinitive, and similar to the noun, the gerund can be modified by a noun in the possessive (or common) case or a pronoun (expressing the subject of the verbal process) – The driver’s(his) being rude like that was disgusting. I read about the hostages having been released. -, and it can be used with prepositions.
The combinability of the gerund is also dual, sharing some features of the verb (inside the construction) with some of the noun. The verb-type combinability is shown in combination with nouns-objects, modifying adverbs, semi-functional predicator verbs (start doing, can’t stand doing). Of the noun-type is combinability with finite notional verbs as the object, subject, as prepositional adjunct (object, attribute, modifier), with nouns as prepositional adjunct.
The functions of gerund in the sentence can be:
Subject – Repeating your accusations doesn’t make them more convincing.
Object – He delayed breaking news.
Prepositional object – He didn’t object against our coming here.
Predicative – Luck is believing you’re lucky.
Attribute – There is a pleasant prospect of listening to her story.
The formal sign of the gerund is homonymous with that of the present participle, it is the suffix – ing added to its categorially (not semantically) leading element.
The gerund distinguishes two grammatical categories: the aspect of retrospective coordination and voice. The paradigm includes four forms:
| simple | perfect | |
| active | taking | Having taken |
| passive | Being taken | Having been taken |
Non-objective verbs don’t have passive forms (go).
Since the meaning of the infinitive and the gerund is similar, the reason of usage of the infinitive after verbs want, expect, and the like, and the gerund after avoid, delay, deny, and the like, lies in semantic shade of infinitive having the meaning of purpose, which can be proved by transformation – I want to come. – I want it to happen so, in order me to come. – I deny coming. – I deny the fact, the thing of coming. – It is also brightly reflected in the use of gerund/infinitive with stop, remember and try.
Glossary of Linguistic Terms
1. non-finate - неличная
2. infinitive - инфинитив
3. gerund - герундий
4. adverbial modifier – обстоятельство
