Основы теории английского языка. Листунова Е.И. - 74 стр.

     3. In common with the finite forms of the verb, the gerund is
modified by an adverb:
     Jon had a passion for birds, and an aptitude for sitting very still
to watch them... (Galsworthy). ...Another thought, too, kept him
from seriously contemplating any desperate act (Hardy). He gathered
up a handful of pebbles and began snapping them carefully into the
creek (Norris).
     4. It may have an object; if the verb is transitive, it has a direct object:
     She began cli pping the flowers and arranging them in a vase
(Vîóniñh). After talking to us for a moment he left... (Crînin). She
wondered at his caring for things like that... (Mansfield).

                   Noun-Characteristics of the Gerund

     1. As a noun, the gerund is used as the subject or object (direct or
prepositional) of the sentence. When used as an attribute or adverbial
modifier, the gerund also clearly shows its nominal character; it is
always preceded by a preposition, which is a formal mark of the noun:
     Crossing the river was a hard task (subject). ...She enjoyed sitting
in the sun... (Harraden) (direct object). Excuse me for interrupting
you, Mr. Winterbourne (Aldington) (prepositional object). Mark was
in the habit of so saying... (Kingsiey) (attribute). On reaching the
bedroom, we heard the voice of Miss Scatcherd... (Bronte) (adverbial
modifier).
     2. Besides, when the gerund is associated with the doer of its
action (forming a complex), the noun or pronoun expressing that
doer is used grammatically as an attribute (possessive) to the ger-
und, and this attributive relation strengthens the noun character of
the gerund:
     At first I was in daily dread of his taking my education in hand
again, or of Miss Murdstone’s devoting herself to it... (Dickens).

             The Functions of the Gerund in the Sentence

      The gerund is used:
      1. As subject:
     Swimming against the current was difficult. Learning rules with-
out examples is useless. Watching and ministring Kit was. her best care
(Galsworthy). Avoiding difficulties is not my method (Snow).

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