The Perfect and Non-Perfect Gerund

The Simple Gerund is used when the action:

1. is simultaneous with the action expressed by the main verb:

I was surprised at hearing this.

2. is posterior to the action of the main verb:

Do you fancy going out tonight?

3. does not have any time reference:

I prefer reading to walking

The Perfect Gerund is used to express an action prior to the action of the main verb:

Jenny’s not having been trained as a dancer is her one regret.

In some cases the Simple Gerund is preferable:

1. after the conjunctions on (upon) and after (as modifier of time):

On hearing the fire alarm, go straight to the nearest exit.

After finding out everything about Mr Dartty my father decided to marry me to him

2. when there is no need to emphasize the priority:

I thank you for coming.

I remember showing him the letter.

Ex.4. Use the required form of the gerund of the verb in bracket:

1. She didn’t feel like (to go) unescorted into dinner, which would begin soon. 2. I inquired of Robinson that afternoon about my book. He neither admitted nor denied (to take) it. 3. Since Tom was his best friend he helped him without (to ask). 4. His latest desire was to discover her age, which he cursed himself for not (to observe) when he had her passport in his hands. 5. He could not help (to know) that there were odious people who called him a snob. 6. Daisy and Gatsby danced. I remember (to be) surprised by his graceful, conser­vative fox-trot - I had never seen him dance before. 7. When they had finished (to write) this letter they read the whole correspondence from beginning to end. 8. He would never forgive her for (to play) this game, for over fifty years. 9. Hepoured milk into a jug from a carton in the refrigerator, then drank some milk himself before (to put) the carton back. 10. It’s no good (to deny) that. 11. Try and help the nurses by (to keep) quiet and tidy. 12. From there he had a clear view of the entrance to the room, with the advantage that he could avoid (to observe) himself by (to run) quickly out of sight through the stairway door. 13. The tables were put on one side so that there might be room for (to dance). 14. I don’t like (to spy) on. 15. Annette, who heard thousands of names mentioned every year, and had a deplorable memory, could recall (to hear) the name of Fox in connection with some­thing or other, but could not remember exactly what. 16. The porter, also on (to enter), would have tapped out his own code. 17. He suddenly stopped (to read). There was no point in (to go) on. He looked up and found forty pairs of eyes fixed on him intently. 18. You must excuse me for (to think) you were a gipsy.

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