1) Read the sentences. State the functions of the Gerund.
1. It was no use trying to fight back.
2. She had no hope of breaking the World Record in Javelin throw.
3. The barometer is an instrument for measuring pressure.
4. The hall is often used for holding inter-college competitions.
5. My greatest wish was taking up basketball.
6. She began training for the competition last month.
7. We used to do a lot of writing when we were at school.
8. I could not help admiring the picture.
9. What I detest the most is drinking alcohol.
10. Smoking is prohibited here.
11. I can not imagine his doing like this.
12. They could not prevent her coming to the function.
13. All depends on John coming in time.
14. Your future depends on your uncle meeting your educational expenses.
15. Forgiving is better than punishing.
16. Reading improves your knowledge.
17. Running behind a running-car is dangerous.
18. Buying vegetables in that market is a difficult affair.
19. Begin reading the book.
20. My neighbor is good at breeding dogs.
2) Read and translate the sentences with gerundial constructions.
1. I’m worried about Jayne getting to the airport on time.
2. I can’t imagine your mother's approving of what you are doing.
3. Will the new job involve your being away from home a lot?
4. The public authorities should prohibit people begging in the streets.
5. He is often late. I don’t mind him (his) being late.
6. I don’t enjoy John's teasing.
7. Forgive my mentioning it, but don’t you miss your friends now while you are living in England?
8. The headmaster suggested my trying the examination again the following year.
9. I don’t recollect his actually promising to help you.
10. Listen to those kids. Fancy them (their) being able to speak Spanish as well as that.
11. The job will entail (involve) your travelling to different parts of the country, often at short notice.
12. The teacher said that he wouldn't tolerate my arriving late every day.
13. The question is so trivial, it hardly justifies our taking up any more time.
14. Some parents don’t approve of their children watching a lot of television.
15. I was annoyed because the decision was made without anybody telling me.
16. You can’t stop me doing what I want.
17. I vaguely remember him saying something like that.
18. I strongly resent your telling me to mind my own business.
19. His lawyer insisted on his dropping the case, since it was unlikely to succeed.
20. Please excuse his not writing to you. (or) Please excuse him not writing to you.