Exercise 1. Translate the following sentences into Russian. Define the function of the Gerunds

1.Reading books is useful. 2. I like reading. 3. He insisted on taking part in the conference. 4. On coming home he always has a rest. 5. The author reports having applied a new method. 6. Excuse my coming late. 7. I am surprised at his being awarded the prize. 8. Carrying out experiments is a must with every scientist. 9. Would you mind showing one more slide?

10.  Would you mind my showing some slides to you. 11.  He could not help joining the discussion. 12.  There is one more point worth mentioning. 13.  It is no use searching for another approach. 14.  It is no good arguing about this issue. 15.  The motor went on running. 16.  We cannot help acknowledging the importance of this statement. 17.  Would you mind answering one more question. 18.  In spite of his words I could not help feeling excited. 19.  It seems to me the case is not worth mentioning. 20.  Go on demonstrating your slides. 21.  Avoid mixing these two substances.

22.  This paper is worth reading. 23.  I can't help regretting it. 24.  He had to give up experimenting. 25.  Let us try heating several metals. 26.  Excuse my interrupting you. 27.  He regrets having interrupted you. 28.  He does not like asking questions. 29. He does not like being asked questions.

30.  He liked your asking questions. 31.  He reports having observed a new star. 32.  The authors report having solved the problem. 33. I think of trying another approach. 34.  He succeeded in obtaining reliable results. 35. He is fond of reading. 36. He is fond of being read to. 37.  He is fond of your reading. 38.  He objected to sending them an invitation to the conference.

39. They insisted on being sent to the conference. 40. In making observations extreme care to avoid errors is necessary.41.  The device has the merit of being suitable for many purposes. 42. There is no necessity of making any corrections. 43.  The possibility of man being able to reach the moon was seriously discussed at that time. 44. There is some reason for questioning this assumption.

Exercise 2 *. Use the required form of the gerund and insert prepositions where necessary

1. Good-bye, and thank you ever so much … (to come) with me. 2. She was afraid … (to go) on public transport. 3. She began to have frightful pains all over her, and she held her breath to prevent herself … (to cry) out and (to wake) her mother. 4. She had the local habit … (to place) the word “eh” at the end of her remarks, questions and answers. 5. His mother would not like the idea … (to eat) fruit unwashed.  6. “It seems to me an awfully selfish way … (to look) at things”, said Philip. 7. “I don’t see the use … (to read) the same thing over and over again”, said Philip. 8. That child needs … (to take) care of. 9. Jane, your nose wants … (to blow).

10.  Did he suspect her … (to see) him enter the room? 11.  “I’m not very good … (to guess)”, I said, with a laugh. 12.  I don’t like … (to wear) a black tie to movies.  13. I enjoy … (to see) my movies when I eat popcorn.

 

Exercise 3. Use the Gerund instead of the Infinitive. Translate the sentences into Russian

1. Thank you for 2. I'm thinking of 3. It's worth 4. I'm (not) used to 5. There's no use in 6. I'm looking forward to 7. I didn't succeed in 8. What's the use of 9. I can't help 10. I'm tired of 11. I rely on 12. The doctor is sure of 13. He gave up 14. He suggested 15. The patient needs

a. to call in the doctor b. to suffer from a pain c. to keep the temperature down d. to examine e. to operate f. to sneeze, to cough g. to make an appointment with the doctor h. to see a doctor i. to improve in fitness j. to gain in physical fitness k. to take more exercise l. to reject scientific medicine m. to recover in short order n. to diagnose the case o. to prevent the return of disease p. to use untested diets q. to x-ray

 

Exercise 4. Use the Gerund instead of the Infinitive and translate each sentence into Russian.

E x a m p l e. Peter has given up (to smoke).

Peter has given up smoking.

1. Philip has finished (to pack). 2. We all enjoy (to travel). 3. This door needs (to paint). 4. My transistor wants (to fix). 5. Will you please go on (to play the piano)? 6. I don't mind your (to do this work). 7. Nick is sure of his (to come here in time). 8. Thanks for (to bring the book). 9. Are you fond of (to watch TV)? 10. We look forward to (to see you soon). 11. We were all pleased with her (to sing). 12. I can't help (to laugh at his jokes). 13. It's no good (to look for it now). 14. It's worth (to see this play).

15. There's no use (to worry about these things).

Exercise 5.

a) Combine the sentences using the Gerund.

 

E x a m p l e. Post a letter. First stick a stamp on the envelope.

Before posting a letter stick a stamp on the envelope.

1. Get on.the train. First buy a ticket. 2. Make a conclusion. First explore the problem carefully. 3. Enter the office building. Show your pass. 4. Buy a suit. First try it on.

 

b) Make up sentences using the Gerund.

 

E x a m p 1 e. He wrote some letters and then went out.

After writing some letters he went out.

1. She laid the table and then brought in the tea. 2. The boys lay on the beach and then had a swim. 3. We visited the museum and then went to a tea-shop. 4. He packed and then went to the airport.