Unit 10 Grammar: non-finite form of the verb – Gerundial Constructions

Objectives: Introduction of new grammar theme “Gerundial Constructions” and fulfilling grammar exercises.

Non-finite form of the verb: Gerundial Construction

There are some cases when the Gerund is related to its own “subject”, expressed by a noun or pronoun: We appreciate your helping us/ We enjoyed the band’s playing very much.

A gerundial construction is nearly always rendered in Russian by a clause, generally introduced by “то, что” / ”тем,что “/ “как “.

The nominal element of the construction can be expressed in different ways:

 If it denotes a living being it may be expressed by a possessive pronoun or a noun in the possessive case: Do you mind my smoking?

 When the nominal element consists of two or more noun, possessive case is not used: I object to Mary and Jane going out on such a windy day.

 If the nominal element denotes a lifeless thing it is expressed by a noun in the common case: I said something about my clock being slow.

Ex. 1. Translate the sentences into your language.

1. We appreciate John’s helping us. 2. I can’t imagine my mother approving it. 3. They resented my winning the prize. 4. I think that’s enough to start her worrying. 5. I can’t excuse her not answering our invitation. 6. I can’t bear him interfering in what I do. 7. I really miss him playing the piano in the evening. 8. Excuse, my asking but does everyone in your family approve of your flying. 9. Your coming has done him good.10. I wonder at Jolson’s allowing the engagement.

Ex. 2. Join two sentences, using gerunds.

Example: The children are making such a noise. Can you stop them making such a noise?

Students must write their corrections carefully. The teacher insists on ….

The teacher insists on students’ writing their corrections carefully.

1. told that my watch was five minutes slow. Have you forgotten …. 2. He allows his son to drive his car. He doesn’t mind … 3. No one helped her with her homework. She did her homework without …. 4. He got my letter although I had addressed it wrongly. He got my letter in spite of …. 5. I beat him at tennis, and he wasn’t pleased at all. He hated … 6. She was afraid that the baby would fall out of the bed. She was afraid of … 7. He doesn’t believe that a boy of twelve should have too much pocket-money. He doesn’t believe in … 8. My father doesn’t like me to stay out late at night. He doesn’t like … .

Ex. 3. Visit the following sites http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises_list/gerund_infinitiv.htm and http://english-zone.com/grammar/ger-inf01.html and do tasks.

Unit 11 Grammar: Gerund and Infinitive Constructions

Objectives: Introduction of new grammar theme “Gerund and Infinitive Constructions” and fulfilling grammar exercises.

Infinitive and gerund constructions

As usual some verbs may take either infinitive or gerund without change of meaning.

 With begin, start, continue, cease either infinitive or gerund may be used without difference in meaning, but the infinitive is more usual with verbs of knowing and understanding and the verb matter: I began working./ I began to work.

 After can/could bear (chiefly used in the negative) either gerund or infinitive can be used: I can’t bear waiting/ to wait.

 After intend, an infinitive: I intend to sell it (more usual). The Infinitive is necessary when we have intend + object: I intend him to take over the department.

 With advise, allow, permit, recommend. If the person concerned is mentioned we use the Infinitive: He advised me to apply at once. But If the person is not mentioned, the gerund is used: He recommends buying the big tins.

 It needs/ requires/ wants can be followed either by the gerund or by the passive Infinitive, the gerund being the more usual: The grass wants cutting or The grass needs to be cut.

 Verbs which may take either Infinitive or gerund: forget, hate, like, love, prefer, propose, regret, try, used to, want.

Ex. 1. Put the verbs in brackets into the correct form (gerund or Infinitive).

1. I am looking forward (to see) you. 2. I arranged (to meet) them here. 3. He urged us (to work) faster. 4. He warned her (not touch) the wire. 5. Don’t forget (to lock) the door before (to go) to bed. 6. You are expected (to know) the safety regulations of the college. 7. I am prepared (to wait) here all night if necessary. 8. Would you mind (to show) me how (to work) the lift. 9. The boys like (to play) games but hate (to do) lessons. 10. I can’t help (to sneeze): I caught a cold yesterday from (to sit) in a draught.

Ex. 2. Copy these sentences using in each of them one of the following verbs that go before Object or Infinitive. Each verb has to be used only once: advised, allowed, encouraged, invited, told.

"The children may play in the garden." Mrs Bates ……………………………

"Come on, Jill. I'm sure you can work faster." I ………………………………

"Don't make so much noise, Harry." The team leader…………………………

"I wouldn't work for them if I were you, David." She…………………………

"Please come and have tea, Anna.'' John………………………………………

Ex. 3. Complete sentences using following phrases:

a finish the work early

b to finish the work early

c finishing the work early

d for finishing the work early

e from finishing the work early

• He didn't mind her______________________________________________________.

• He persuaded us________________________________________________________.

• Did you let them________________________________________________________?

• I don't remember him____________________________________________________.

• I forgive you___________________________________________________________.

• I made her_____________________________________________________________.

• I understand him________________________________________________________.

• I'd like you_____________________________________________________________.

• Can you prevent them___________________________________________________?

• Please excuse me________________________________________________________.

• She had us_____________________________________________________________.

• They forced me_________________________________________________________.

• We dislike your_________________________________________________________.

Ex. 4. Fill in the gaps with appropriate prepositions and these verbs: complete, go, learn, make, speak, work.

1. Are you capable____________________ how to use this software?

2. I'm very bad________________________ German.

3. I'm not fond________________________ to parties.

4. I'm very interested_______________________ for your company.

5. We're close_______________________ the new design project.

6. Are you good_________________________ pizza?

Ex. 5. In each line the word order is wrong; gaps, punctuation and one more word are omitted. Make up five phrases used while getting acquainted.

1. bossletmemytoyou

2. girlfriendI'dJanemeetmytoyou

3. colleaguessisiJonesJanemyofonePaulPaul

4. helloMarinaname's

5. meetniceto

Ex. 6. In each line of the dialogue, except one, there is a mistake. Can you find out them? Write down the dialogue correctly.

• Do you mind me use your computer?

• No, that's fine. Peter wants me going to the supermarket anyway.

• I dislike him ordering you doing things like that.

• Well, he's the boss. We can't stop him to give orders.

• If he talked to me like that, I'd tell to him to keep quiet.

• I advise you to no say anything stupid.

• We shouldn't let him to be o nasty to us.

• I remember him to be quite nice when I started here.

• Do you? On my first day, he ordered me stand on a desk and change a light bulb.

• Oh, he asked me tidying his office.

• And then he made me to clean the kitchen.

• Yes, I saw you cleaning the kitchen. I thought, he's a strange man.

• Anyway, I must do some work. Can you show me to connect the Internet, please, Jane?

Ex. 7. Revision of Gerund and Infinitive. Use Internet and do exercises on-line on the following sites - a) http://www.englishpage.com/gerunds/index.htm, b) http://www.ego4u.com/en/cram-up/grammar/infinitive-gerund#exercises and c) http://a4esl.org/q/f/z/zz97mkm.htm) – and get your score.