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Gerunds
A gerund looks like an ‘-ing’ verb but acts as a noun – therefore they can be used as a subject or object and without any auxiliary verb. It is simple to think of a gerund as a name of an activity.
I hope you don't object to my smoking.
She didn't like going shopping.
The child admitted taking the sweets.
Task 1
Rewrite all the following sentences, using the gerund. Some changes may be needed.
Do you mind if I smoke?
Did she insist that you stop?
Why don't you admit that you took it?
Do you mean to say that you deny you took the book?
Have you considered the fact that you ought to work harder?
Will they mind if I call on them?
They won't like you to be late, will they?
Do they allow you to smoke in the theatre?
The students denied that they had played the practical joke.
Would you mind if I opened the window?
They have put off the game until tomorrow. (use "postpone")
He said that he couldn't stand the way she sang.
I don't care for the fact that she sings.
Why should he object to the fact that I sing?
Sometimes a gerund has a preposition in front of it
After eating we relaxed by watching a film.
He was sent to prison for stealing cars.
They can also follow a pronoun
My singing is really bad!
His complaining really annoys me.
These verbs are often followed by the gerund form
Admit He admitted stealing the car.
Appreciate I appreciate you coming.
Avoid We can’t avoid working.
Consider Have you considered applying for the job?
Deny I can’t deny liking this song.
Enjoy He enjoys smoking.
Escape We are escaping doing homework.
Finish Have you finished complaining?
Imagine I always image having my own school.
Keep I keep missing your calls.
Miss They miss having guests.
Postpone The umpire postponed playing cricket.
Practise You must practise speaking in public.
Quit I can’t quit smoking.
Resent He resents meeting his boss.
Resist I can’t resist laughing
Suggest The doctor suggested taking a holiday
Stop Stop doing that!
Task 2
Rewrite these sentences using the beginnings given – no meaning should be lost.
1. He said that he had stolen the watch.
The accused...
2. He said that she must go with him.
He insisted...
3. I would like to see the film again.
I wouldn't mind...
4. Let's leave the car here.
What about...
5. He drove too quickly, so they arrested him.
He was arrested...
6. Why don't we stop here?
What about...
7. Paul wonders if he might emigrate.
Paul is thinking...
8. He told us he was sorry that he was late.
He apologised...
9. He will resign, no matter what I say.
I can't prevent...
10. Sorry to disturb you like this.
Forgive...
11. He told them that he was guilty.
He admitted...
12. He complained over and over again.
He kept...
13. The park attendant told them they were not allowed to walk on the grass.
The park attendant told them to...
14. It cost too much.
It wasn't worth...
15. It was kind of you to meet me.
Thank you...
16. It was kind of you to lend me the book.
Thank you...
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