Make up one sentence from the two given using a gerund or gerund construction. The first is given for you.

1 I watch airplanes take off. It is very relaxing. Watching airplanes take off is very relaxing. 2 You should brush your teeth twice daily. This is what all dentists recommended. 3 She wants to be a journalist. It is her dream. 4 You have to take the TOEFL. It is the only way to get into that college. 5 We have studied Spanish. It helped us on our trip to Barcelona. 6 The boys always get to trouble. That isn’t any fun.

Paraphrase the sentences below using the gerund. Point out the sentences where the gerund refers to an earlier action. The first is given for you.

1 He admitted that he had stolen the bicycle. He admitted stealing / having stolen the bicycle. 2 Mr. Brown admitted that he had given false information. 3 Both companies denied that they had discharged any toxic waste. 4 I dislike when I’m told what to do. 5 I clearly remembered that I posted my letters. 6 She knew that she had married Mr. Philips for his money. 7 I was not totally honest with him, I admit. 8 The minister denied that he had passed on secret information to a newspaper.

Open the brackets in the sentences 1-7 using the correct forms of gerund.

1 He was accused of (to sell) _____________the information. 2 He only succeeded in (to take) _________for a bore. 3 How can I thank you enough for (to come) _________to my rescue? 4 Who is responsible for (to keep) the place in order? 5 He is not exactly grateful for (to put) ___________in the place. 6 He suspects me of (to read) __________her diary. 7 I object to (to pay) ________good money for badly made products.

Paraphrase the sentences 1-10 below using the gerund. The first is done for you.

1 The carpet needs to be cleaned. The carpet needs cleaning. 2 The room needs to be brightened up a bit. 3 The wine needs to be cooled in the fridge. 4 I think these potatoes need to be cooked a little longer. 5 We all agree that the wildlife needs to be protected. 6 The plants need to be watered. 7 The children need to be collected at 4 o’clock. 8 Two points of this report need to be discussed. 9 His hair needs to be cut. 10 there are a lot of things to be done before we go on holiday.

Open the brackets in the sentences below using the gerund.

1 Niagara Falls is worth (to see). It is the most beautiful place in the world. 2 there is a lot of advice in the book on baby care. Most of it is worth (to take). 3 The car is worth (to repair). 4 That tennis racket was not worth (to buy). It broke the first time I used it. 5 Bob is not worth (to help). He always work independently. 6 The exhibition is not worth (to visit). 7 The book is well worth (to read) if you are going to take the exam. 8 this film is worth (to see) for the costumes alone: they are superb.