THE GERUNDIAL CONSTRUCTION

In the examples discussed the subject of the main verb is also the subject of the Gerund, but there are cases when the Gerund is related to its own "subject", expressed by a noun or pronoun.

We appreciate your helping us.

Мы (высоко) ценим вашу помощь (то, что вы помогли).

We enjoyed the band's playing very much.

Нам очень понравилось то, как играл оркестр. A gerundial construction is nearly always rendered in Russian by a clause, generally introduced by "то, что''/"тем, что''/"как".

The nominal element of the construction can be expressed in different ways:

1. If it denotes a living being it may be expressed by a possessive pronoun or a noun in the possessive case.

Do you mind my smoking?

Our talk was prevented by Richard's coming back.

When the nominal element consists of two or more nouns, possessive case is not used,

I object to Mary and Jane going out on such a windy day.

2. If the nominal element denotes a lifeless thing it is expressed by a noun in the common case.

I said something about my clock being slow.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the door opening gently.

Translate the sentences from English into Russian

1. We appreciate John's helping us. 2. I can't imagine my mother approving it. 3. They resented my winning the prize. 4. I think that's enough to start her worrying. 5. I can't excuse her not answering our invitation. 6. I can't bear his interfering with what I do. 7. Would you mind my smoking? 8. Fancy her appearing at that very moment! 9. I really miss his playing the piano in the evening. 10. Excuse my asking, but does everyone in your family approve of your flying? 11. Your coming has done him good. 12. I wonder at Jolyon's allowing the engagement. 13. I understand perfectly your wanting to leave. 14. I didn't object to other people being there.

Match the parts of sentences in A and В columns

1. We very much appreciate a. my leaving till next day.

2. He strongly denied b. their meeting that afternoon

3. We enjoyed c. her taking more responsibility.

4. The chairman suggested d. the band's playing very much.

5. I agreed to delay e. our postponing the question.

6. He should consider f. your helping us.

Study the sentences, paying special attention to the italicized pronouns and nouns followed by Gerunds

1. I'm not very friendly with him, so I was surprised by his asking me to dinner. 2. The thieves broke into the shop without anyone seeing them. 3. He doesn't mind his daughter going to the cinema once a week. 4. It is difficult to stop George talking once he begins.