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Predicative Constructions With The Gerund: The Classical Gerundial Construction The Half-Gerundial Construction
Predicative Constructions With The Gerund: The Classical Gerundial Construction The Half-Gerundial Construction
Like all the verbals the gerund can form predicative constructions in which the verbal
element expressed by a gerund is in the predicate relations to the nominal element
expressed by a noun or a pronoun.
The Classical Gerundial The Half-Gerundial Construction
Construction
Syntactically the components form an indivisible unit which must be treated as one
part of the sentence. The constructions can be used in the function of
- the subject
eg. My explaining was of no use.
- a predicative
eg. What annoyed me most was his accepting everything.
- a complex object
eg. He insists on them coming.
- an attribute
eg. I like the idea of your coming.
- an adverbial modifier
eg. After his leaving they began to talk.
One side of the gallery was used for their dancing.
He went away without the dog following him.
I feel better for us having spent the summer abroad.
In spite of them being busy he did all he could to help her.