1.3. Identify the gerund in the function of adverbial modifies. Give

Russian equivalents as shown in the following examples

Examples:

– In making observations extreme care to avoid errors is necessary.

a) При проведении наблюдений необходимо быть предельно

осторожным, чтобы избежать ошибок.

b) Проводя наблюдения необходимо …

c) Когда проводят наблюдения, надо быть ...

– On reaching the boiling point the water temperature no longer

increases.

a) После достижения /По достижению точки кипения

температура воды больше не повышается.

b) Достигнув точки кипения, температура воды больше не

повышается.

– By using the calculus a mathematician can find out how these

two quantities – whatever they are – are varying with each other.

a) При помощи вычисления математик может выяснить, как

эти две величины, какими бы они ни были, влияют друг на

друга.

b) Используя вычисления, математик может выяснить, как

эти две величины, какими бы они ни были, влияют друг на

друга.

– They could not start a new experiment without verifying the

previous data.

Они не могли начать новый эксперимент, не проверив

ранее полученные данные.

1. Without actually making calculations, we cannot deduce some general

properties which the self-consistent model should have.

2. In considering the chemical properties of metals the first point which

must be mentioned is that they vary widely in degree of chemical activity.

3. By having defined one’s research objective one has already made the

first, and the most important step towards the final success.

4. It is important to reemphasize this point by stating these ideas in a different

way.

5. On being heated to a sufficient temperature any body becomes a source

of light.

6. In studying the theory of semiconductors Joffe had in mind the direct

conversion of solar energy into electricity.

7. On standing for some weeks the uranium solution gradually regains its

initial activity.

8. Metals cannot be dissolved without being changed into new substances.

9. Astronomers get a fairly good idea of the chemical composition of the

Universe by studying the light from the stars and the sun.

10. Superheating is a process of heating a liquid above its boiling point

without converting it into vapor.

2. Identify the gerund construction and its function in the sentence.

Give Russian equivalents as shown in the following examples

Examples:

– Newton’s having formulated this law was of great

importance.

То, что Ньютон сформулировал этот закон, имело

огромное значение.

– Their having obtained new data is of great interest.

То, что они получили новые данные, представляет

большой интерес.

– We know of work and energy being closely related.

Мы знаем, что работа и энергия тесно связаны между

собой.

1. They rely on your having carried out the experiment.

2. Researchers’ working together and their sharing ideas with one another

is of great advantage for science.

3. The difference between the two values probably accounts for the measured

sensitivity being higher than that predicted by theory.

4. Einstein’s being awarded the Nobel Prize in physics soon became widely

known.

5. Plants are useful sources of energy thanks to their storing the sun’s radiation

in chemical form.

6. In spite of its being called a dry cell, that cell is not really dry, everybody

knows of its containing moisture.

7. Its being theoretically correct did not make it less cumbersome.

8. Scientists’ constantly exploring the unknown, their looking for new knowledge

and the answers to unsolved questions cannot be overestimated.

9. Mendeleev’s having established a periodic law of nature entered his

name into the history book of the world science.

10. Immediate recognition of a discovery depends largely on its being made

at a proper moment.

PROGRESS TEST

TASK 1: Identify the gerund and gerund constructions. Translate the

sentences into Russian

1. Ice melting begins at zero degrees C.

2. In recent years man has succeeded in controlling chemical changes.

3. In performing the experiment they observed the change in the properties

of the substance.

4. There is little probability of atmosphere being on that planet.

5. One cannot help recognizing the importance of the study.

6. These substances are alike in having high melting points.

7. In spite of not having any university education, Faraday made his great

discoveries.

8. This phenomenon depends on the atomic weights of the substances

being equal.

9. Computers gain an ever increasing application due to their being constantly

improved.

10. Roentgen’s having discovered X-rays contributed much to the world’s

science.

TASK 2: While reading papers on the subject of your research, highlight

sentences with the gerund and gerund constructions and translate

them into Russian.

Unit 4. The Participle