SBR - Technical Education Training Center Inc.

CORE COMPETENCY
Unit of Competency No. 1: COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY IN ENGLISH
FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE
LO1. Demonstrate an Ability to Express Oneself in a Clear and
Concise Manner
Grammar Module 2

LESSON 1

Present Perfect
1. Action in the indefinite past

Explanation : We use the present perfect for actions that occurred at an indefinite time in
the past. These past actions have some consequence for the present.

Example:
I’ve lost my wallet. (so I don’t have it now )
We’ve met. (so we know each other)
Sharon’s seen that movie. (so she knows the story )
He’s visited France. (so he knows something about France).
They’ve taught in China. (so they understand about teaching in China)

 We cannot use the present perfect with specific past time reference.

Examples:

I’ve visited Italy. BUT I visited Italy last year.

They’ve bought a house. BUT They bought a house two years ago.
Ann has seen Andrew. BUT Ann saw Andrew yesterday.

 The present perfect referring to an indefinite time in the past often occurs with the
adverb already. We can also use adverbs of frequency such as always, never, usually,
often, frequently, or rarely with the present perfect. Ever is used in questions, and in
negatives with not.

Examples:

We’ve already bought our groceries.

I’ve always done my grocery shopping at the supermarket.
I’ve never shopped at the farmer’s market.
Have you ever bought anything at the outdoor market?
Linda’s family has often visited Mexico.
They’ve rarely visited other countries.
Have you ever been in Canada?

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Present Perfect Continuous

Present perfect progressive is similar to present perfect but has more emphasis on the duration
of the action. In some cases, there is very little difference in meaning between these two tenses.

The form consists of three parts: have/has been + VERB + ing.

Question: have/has + subject + been + VERB + ing.

Negative: haven’t/hasn’t been + VERB + ing.

Usage Examples
a. An action that began in the past, has a. “Why are you so late? I have been
continued into the present, and may waiting here for almost an hour.”
continue into the future (with an emphasis
on the duration of action.)
b. A general action in progress recently for b. Ken: “Wow, your tennis game is
which no specific time is mentioned. really good now!”
Kay: “I’ve been practicing a lot
recently.”
c. An action that began in the past and has c. Jim: “There’s green stuff in your
just recently ended. hair.”
Dan: “Oh, don’t worry. I’ve been
painting my house. It will come out
with a little soap and water.

Present Perfect Progressive vs. Present Perfect

Present Perfect Present Perfect Progressive
She has written her speech and ready to She has been writing her speech for an
leave. hour and is still not finished.
Action just completed Continuous action began at a specific
time in the past and still going on at the
present time.

 The present perfect tense consists of a past participle (the third principal
part of the verb) with have or has. It designates an action completed at an
indefinite or unspecified time in the past, ‘before now’ - often with ever,
never, before.

 The present perfect continuous/progressive describes an action which

began but did not necessarily finish in the period between ‘before now’ and
‘now.’ We are interested in the process of the action.

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Present Perfect Continuous vs. Present Continuous

Present Perfect Continuous Present Continuous

1. The present perfect continuous like the present perfect The present continuous also expresses
expresses an action that began in the past and is continuing an action happening now, but there is
now. The action may be continuous or periodic. no indication of when I began.

She’s been waiting since 2:00. She’s waiting over there.

Present Perfect Continuous Present Continuous

(continuously)

For the last three months, I’ve been digging a

tunnel, (periodically; a little bit each day.)

Sometimes the indication of when the action

began is not in the sentences. It’s only in the mind
of the speaker.

I’ve been waiting for you to show up.

Exception: We often use the present
perfect continuous for a finished action
if:

a. the action ended very close to “now”

and
b. we want to emphasize long duration of
hardship.

Oh, there you are! I’ve been looking for you

everywhere.

2. The present perfect continuous is not used with The present continuous is not usually used with
NON-ACTION verbs or with frequency adverbs NON-ACTION verbs or with adverbs of frequency.
such as never, often and always. The present The simple present is used instead.
perfect is used instead.
The present continuous is occasionally used (with an
adverb of frequency) for an action happens. The verb in
the pres ent continuous may stop when the second action
occurs, or it may continue beyond the second action.

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LESSON 2

Past Perfect
The Structure of Past Perfect Tense
When to Use Past Perfect?

 Use past perfect for past actions that occurred before another past events, action
or time.

Example Keyword
Reporter: Here’s the photo I took of before
that 42-pound king fish that John
had caught only moments before
the contest ended. (1)

Editor: Wow! How long had he when

been fishing when he caught it? (2)

Reporter: Not long. He had already already

returned to the docks by the time I
arrived there. (3)

NOTE: The past perfect tense needs to refer to a simple past verb in order to point to its
earlier time. Although the simple past tense verb is usually in the same sentence as the
past perfect, the two actions may be in separate sentences.

 Past perfect is also used in if clauses after wish. In these cases, it refers to an
action that did not happen in the past.
Example:

If I had studied last night, I would have passed the test today.
(I did not study.) (I did not pass the test.)
I wish you had told me this news yesterday.
(You did not tell me the news yesterday.)

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• Past perfect is used to describe a past event or condition that happened before another
event in the past: i.e., event/action A took place at a time before and separate from that
of event in action B.
Examples:
When I arrived (action B) home, he had already called. (action A)
Johnny sold (action B) vegetables that he had raised. (action A)
Renee had washed (action A) the car when her son arrived. (action B)

• In sentences expressing condition and result, the past perfect tense is used in the past
that states the condition.
Examples:
If I had done my exercises, I would have remained healthy.
Pam thinks Romy would have been elected if he hadn’t sounded so pompous.

• The past perfect is also used in reported speech.

Examples:
Christine said that she had gone to the games.
He told me that he had broken off with his high school sweetheart.

Time Words – Past Perfect

The following time words are often used with the past perfect.

TIME WORDS EXAMPLES NOTE

1. Before I (had) graduated from college In conversation, the simple
before I got married. past is often used with
2. After I got married after I (had) before and after.
graduated from college.
3. Already I had already graduated from
college when I got married.
4. By the time I had graduated from college Use the simple past in the by
by the time I got married. the time clause and the past
perfect in the other clause.
5. Until He (had) never skied until he The use of the past perfect is
moved to Colorado. optional here.

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TIME WORDS EXAMPLES NOTE

Compare
6.a When The president had already been In this case use, the past
(meaning before) assassinated when the revolution started. perfect describes the event
(The president was assassinated first; then which happened first.
the revolution started.)
6.b When The military general was assassinated when In this case, use the simple
(meaning after) the revolution started. (Immediately after past in both clauses to show
the start of the revolution the general was that both events occurred
assassinated). almost at the same time.
6.c When The crowd was watching when the general In this case, use a simple past
(meaning at the was shot. or past progressive aspect of
same time as) (These two events occurred at about the verbs.
same time).

Past Perfect Progressive

The Structure of Past Perfect Progressive
 Past Perfect Progressive has three parts: had + been + verb + -ing.
 The past perfect progressive is used to emphasize the duration of an event or action
that was in progress before another event, action or time.

Examples:

John had been fishing for one hour when he caught a king fish.
Rod had been playing the piano when the phone rang.

 Without progressive, Rod had played the piano when the phone rang means that Rid
had finished playing piano before the phone rang.

NOTE:

1. Do not use the progressive form of the past perfect with non-action verbs.

Wrong: Betty hadn’t been seeing her brother for several years.
Correct: Betty hadn’t seen her brother for several years.

2. Do not use the progressive form of the past perfect with actions that are repeated a given
number of time.

Wrong: Ariadne had been playing tennis twice before last night.
Correct: Ariadne had played tennis twice before last night.

3. Do not write the contraction it’d for it had. When American’s speak quickly “it had” often
sounds like “it’d”, but this form is incorrect in written English.

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 The past perfect progressive/continuous describes a continuing action taking place in

the past before it was overtaken by another past action.

Examples:

1. I had been waiting for your written output before I got sick.

2. The company had been threatening to sue the government for violation of contract
when you were hired.

LESSON 3

Simple Future

A. Going to…

 We use to be + going to + the base form of the verb to talk about

intentions or predictions for the future.

Examples:

1. There’s a test next week. I’m going to study for it. (intention)
2. Sharon feels sick. Is she going to stay home from school? (intention)
3. Joanne is going to be tall when she grows up. (prediction)
4. You didn’t eat very much. You are going to get hungry later. (prediction).

Affirmative Negative Question Form

I am going to study. I am not going to study. Am I going to study?
Contractions:

I’m going to study. I’m not going to study.

In normal fast speech, in informal situations, going to is pronounced “gonna”

I’m gonna go now. He’s gonna drive. They’re gonna study.

Note: We do not usually use these forms in writing.

 These future time adverbials require the use of the future tense:

tomorrow after work on the weekend

next month in a little while soon
next year in a couple of days

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B. Will

 Will + the base form of the verb describes a future action or state.
The future with will is formed in this way.

Affirmative Negative Questions With Question Contractions

Word
I will go. I will not go. Will I go? Who will go? I’ll go.
I won’t go.

 We use will to express different meanings in English:

1. Make predictions

Ex. He works hard. He’ll be rich someday.

No one likes him. He won’t win the election.

2. Express promises

Ex.Mary says she’ll be on time.

Will you pay back the money as soon as you can? I won’t tell anyone your secret.
3. Make offers

Ex. I’ll help you cook supper.

We’ll give you a ride to the train station.

4. To agree or to refuse to do something.

Ex. Can you pick me up tonight?

Sure, I’ll be there at 8 o’clock.

5. Make request

Ex. Will you mail this letter of me, please?

Note: Would or Could are preferable in requests because they are less direct and are considered to
be more polite.

Language Assistant

We use was/were going to + the base form of the verb when we are describing an
action that we planned or intended in the past but did not carry out.

Examples:

I was going to buy a new coat, but I ran out of money.

She was going to marry him, but she fell in with someone else.

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Future Progressive
Forms:

Affirmative: Will be + verb + -ing

Question: Will + subject + be + verb + -ing
Negative: Won’t be + verb + -ing

Uses:

1. Indicates an action that will be in progress at a definite time in the future.

Examples:
Next month, he’ll be crawling.
At midnight tomorrow, I’ll be hiding under his crib.

2. Used for an action that will be in progress when another action happens.

Example:
While he’s taking his first step, we’ll be watching.

3. Emphasizes the (long) duration of a future action.

Example:
He’ll be drawing all day long.

4. Used for rejected future actions.

Example:
We’ll be taking him thereafter.

5. The future continuous is not used with non-action verbs.

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Future Perfect

1. Forms

Affirmative
will have + past participle

Negative
won’t have + past participle

Question
will + subject + have + past participle

2. Uses

a. Express an action that will end before another action in the future.

Example:

When I turn 30, I will have gotten bored of my life. (Note: when=before)

b. The future perfect doesn’t always begin in the future.

Example:

When he retires next year, he will have worked here for 35 years.

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Future Perfect Continuous

1. Forms

Affirmative: will + have + been + verb + -ing

Negative: won’t have + been + verb + -ing
Question: will + subject + have + been + verb + -ing

2. Uses
a. Emphasize the (long) duration of an action or habitual action before another time in the
future. The length of time is usually given in the sentence. We often use for or since with
the future perfect.

Example:
By the time you receive this, we will have been living here for three years.

b. The future perfect continuous may begin at any time before the other future action, it
may even begin in the past. Again, the length of time is usually given, often with for or
since.

Example:
I will have been dreaming about hot fudge sundaes for three years.

c. We don’t use either the future perfect continuous or the future continuous with non-action
verbs.

3. The simple present (meaning the future) is often used in the subordinate clause of sentences
that have the future perfect continuous in the main clause.
Example:

By the time you receive this, we will be living here for three years.
(subordinate clause) (main clause)

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Language Assistant
Future Perfect
Action expected to be completed at a specific time in the future.

Example:
She will have written her speech by the time you finish your report.

Future Perfect Progressive

Ongoing action expected to continue into the future.

Example:
She will have been writing that speech for a week by the time the meeting takes place.

Si mple Future
The simple future describes an action which will or won’t happen or exist in the future.

Examples:
I’ll get up late tomorrow.
I won’t get up early.
The train will leave at 4:00 p.m.
Our driver will pick up the computer.

Future Perfect
The future perfect tense is used to express an action that will be completed by or before a specified time in the future.

Example:
By next month we will have finished this job.
She won’t have finished her work until 2:00 p.m.

LESSON 4
Modals
List of Modals Facts about Modals
can 1. The base form follows a modal. Never use an infinitive after a
could modal.
should Ex. You must pay your rent. (Not: You must to pay your rent.)
will
would 2. Modals never have an –s, -ed, or –ing ending.
may Ex. He can go. (Not: He cans go.)
might
must 3. To form the negative, put not after the modal.
Ex. You should not leave now.

4. You can make a negative contraction with some modals.

5. Some verbs are like modals in meaning: have to, had better, ought
to, be able to, be supposed to, be permitted to, be allowed to:
Ex. He must sign the lease. = He has to sign the lease.
The same modal form can have different meanings in different situations:

Examples:

I will do my best on the exam. Promise

I won’t eat meat. I’m a vegetarian. Refusal
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Will you giveServices
me a hand NC II the dishes?
with Request
Cindy will get good marks. She’s an A student. Prediction
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Sometimes different modals can have very similar meanings.

Examples:

Would you please spell your name? Request

Could you please spell your name? Request
Can you please spell your name? Request

Modals can be used in expressing necessity , obligation, getting and giving information, expressing
advisability, giving advice, making suggestions, expressing regret, giving warnings, requests,
commands, permission, rules and laws, and prohibitions.

Examples:
1. It’s necessary for you to pay your rent.
You must pay your rent. -expressing obligation
2. He must have surgery. -expressing necessity
3. They used to live in the country before they moved to the city. -giving information
4. Oliver should study more if he wants to pass the English test. –giving advice

5. The class should be using their dictionaries. –make suggestions

6. They had better not cheat or else the teacher will take their tests away. -giving warnings
7. We are not able to get the door open. –ability
8. You are allowed to leave whenever you want to. –permission
9. Would you stop by my office today, please? - request
10. Jane mustn’t use the elevator because it’s out of order. – prohibition

11. Jim doesn’t have to use the elevator because he lives on the ground floor. -lack of necessity

Active Modal (NOT) Have Past Complement

Subject Participle
He might have been tired.
He may not have had enough.
He must have taken sleep.
He should have gone to bed his medicine.
He should not have stayed up early.
late.

Passive Modal (NOT) Have been Past Complement

Subject Participle
He must have been kept up by the noise .
The noise should not have been reported to the police.
He should have been kept awake

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Modals in the Past Have + Past Participle

1. The only modal that has a past form is can. The past form is could:
I can speak English now. I couldn’t speak English three years ago.

2. The past of must, when it shows necessity, is had to:

Next week I must renew my driver’s license.
Last month I had to get an application.

3. For the other modals, we use modal + have+ past participle to give a past.

Negative of Modals and Related Expressions

EXAMPLES EXPLANATION
Passengers must not remove their seatbelts. Use must not for prohibition.
You cannot have a dog in my apartment. Use cannot or may not to show no permission.
You may not use a calculator on the The meaning is about the same as must not.
mathematics exam.
You’re not supposed to park here longer Use be not supposed to for prohibition.
than 15 minutes.
You are not supposed to drive quickly near When reporting a rule, people use
schools or in the city. be not supposed to more than must not.
Remember; must not has an official tone.

EXAMPLES EXPLANATION
She doesn’t have to take the entrance A person can perform a particular action if he or
examination because she doesn’t want to go she wants to, but he or she has no obligation to
a university. do this thing.
You shouldn’t watch so much T.V. Shouldn’t is for advice, not rules.
You’d better not miss the final exam, or Had better not is for a warning.
You’ll fail the course.

NOTE:
Ought to is used in affirmative statements. Avoid the use of this expression in negative
statements or questions.

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Contrasting and Identifying Function

A. MUST VS. SHOULD
Don’t use must to predict the future.

Incorrect: Lori and George have been dating OBLIGATION, not conclusion
for two years. They must get married, they impossible form
must be going to get married.
Correct: They must love each other. CONCLUSION
EXPECTATION (this is what we expect to happen)
Should can be used for expectation or SUGGESTION (this is what we think would be
suggestion with no difference in form. best)

B. CAN VS. COULD

As can be seen from the examples, can and could are often interchangeable for the same function
and tense. However, there is a slight distinction in meaning between these two modals in those
cases. Look at the following examples:
• I can arrive at the reception early to make additional arrangements.
• I could arrive at the reception early to make additional arrangements.
• Both of these examples express possibility in the future, but in the first example, the use of can
expresses a slightly more definite possibility.
Functions of Modals
A. SUGGESTION / RECOMMENDATION / ADVICE

The chart below demonstrates how the modals used to give suggestions differ in strengths.

Weak might You might make pizza. Perhaps it’s a good idea
could You could make bread. I believe it’s a good idea.
should You should make soup. I believe it’s the best idea.
have to/must You must make pizza. I very strongly believe it’s the
(conversational) best idea.
Strong had better You’d better make steak. I am convinced that if you don’t
make steak, you’ll be sorry.

PRONUNCIATION HINT: In order to e x p r e s s the above examples as suggestions, the following intonation
pattern should be used.
You might make pizza. NOT might make pizza
You could make bread . NOT could make bread

B. EXPECTATION AND CONCLUSION: SHOULD/ OUGHT TO/ MUST

Function Modal Example Generalization

EXPECTATION should You should get a call from him tonight Should and ought to express what
about the upcoming stag party. is expected to happen.
ought to The divorce rate ought to go down with Usually used to express something
the popularity of marriage counseling. positive about the future.
CONCLUSION must These statistics must mean that most Expresses what is true at the
women prefer to establish career first. present.

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LESSON 5

Active Voice

A passive verb in English is formed with a form of be and the past participle of the
verb, for example, is taught. The auxiliary be verb indicates the tense; for example,
“is” is in the present tense, so the verb tense is in the present tense.

Active to Passive Transformation

Sentence in Active Voice

The average American seeks independence
Subject verb object
There are three steps to making this active sentence passive:
1. Make the direct object of the active
sentence subject. Independence
subj.

2. Make the verb passive: be + past Independence is sought

subj. passive verb

3. If necessary, add by to the active Independence is sought

sentence and make it the agent. Subj. passive verb

by the average American.

agent

Sentence in Passive Voice

Independence is sought by the Average American.
subject passive verb agent

Making Passive Verbs

The passive verb is a combination of be+ past participle of a verb. The form of
be can be any of the various forms of the verb from simple past to the most
complicated combination.

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Note the verbs in these example The computer is

broken sentences. What changes? The computer was broken.
What stays the same? The computer has been broken.
The computer had been broken.
The computer is being repaired.
The computer will be repaired.
The computer will have been
repaired.

ACTIVE VOICE PASSIVE VOICE

They speak English. English is spoken.
They are speaking English. English is being spoken.
They spoke English. English was spoken.
They were speaking English. English was being spoken.
They have spoken English. English has been spoken.
They will speak English. English will be spoken.
They are going to speak English. English is going to be e
English should be spoken.
They should speak English. English should have been spoken.
They must speak English. English must be spoken.
They had to speak English. English had to e

Negatives and questions are also formed in passive voice.

Examples:
Were the new computers being used?
Should new software be bought for the computers?
The disk drivers don’t have to be repaired.
These disks aren’t going to be copied.

NOTES:
1. Have is not usually in the passive voice:
Awkward: A good time had been had a party.
2. We say was / were born ( passive construction ). Die is always an active verb: I
was born in 1984. Their grandmother died 10 years ago.

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The Active Voice Only

EXAMPLE EXPLANATION
He lived in Japan for many years. Some verbs are not used with the passive voice.
He became an English teacher there.
Incorrect: He looks the book. These are verbs that have no object: happen,
Correct: He looks at the book. go, fall, become, be, live, sleep, come, look,
remain, die, seem, work, recover.
These are called intransitive verbs.
My brother changed as he got older. The active voice is used with change and move
We moved to a new apartment. when the action happens by itself.

The plan was changed the next day The passive voice is used with these
The furniture was moved to the other verbs if someone causes the action to happen.
room by the workers.

The car stopped at the corner. The active voice is used with start,
stop, open, and close even though
the subject is not really the performer.
The car was stopped by the police. The passive voice is used with these verbs if the
performer is mentioned.
LESSON 6

Infinitives
An infinitive consists of to + verb and takes place of a noun. An infinitive can have a variety of
functions in a sentence.

A. Infinitive as Subject of the Sentence

The box below explains how an Infinitive can be used as the subject of a sentence.
Grammatical Function Notes
Subject of the sentence
 To age gracefully is difficult. Using it as the subject of the sentence is much more
 It is difficult to age gracefully. common than using an infinitive.
The infinitive subject is more formal.

B. Infinitive as Direct Object

There are certain verbs that are followed by infinitives.
Type A verbs must be followed by an infinitive:
Verbs Examples Notes
agree, arrange, She arranged to care for her grandmother. The verb + infinitive
decide, deserve, (She will care for her in the future construction often refers
hope, intend, need, I expect to receive a letter today. (I don’t to hypothetical, future,
learn, promise, know whether I will actually receive it. ) unknown, incomplete, or
plan, prepare, Carol intends to change her job. (Whether impossible events
refuse, seem, tend, in fact she will change is unknown) although this is not
etc. She pretended to be my sister. (In reality, always the case.
this is impossible.)

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Type A verbs followed by a (Pro)Noun + Infinitive:

Verbs Examples Notes
The teacher advised us to study verbs. Notice that these verbs
advise, allow, usually indicate a speech act.
cause, The doctor convinced me to eat less. If the construction is made
convince, negative, not is inserted
force, get, between the pronoun and the
hire, invite, infinitive.
order, permit, The policeman forced them to pay a fine. If these verbs are used in the
warn, etc. I hired an agent to sell my house. passive, the pronoun is
The court ordered the man not to speak. omitted.
Customers are allowed to park there.
I was encouraged to buy a new house.
The cashier was hired to work nights.
The students were permitted to leave.

Type A verbs that may be followed by a (Pro)Noun + Infinitive

Verbs Examples Notes
ask, beg, choose, dare, We begged to see a movie. There is a difference in
expect, need, promise, (Result: We see a movie.) meaning if the pronoun is
want, would like We begged them to see a movie. omitted.
(Result: They see a movie. )

C. Infinitive as Complement of an Adjective

BE+ ADJECTIVE+ INFINITIVE

Adjectives Examples Notes
afraid I am afraid to tell him that I lost my visa. When these adjectives are used, the
subject if the sentence is living (animate).
content She would be content to sit in front of the T.V.
disappointed We were disappointed to hear he was sick.
happy I’m very happy to be here with you.
eager The students are eager to improve their Notice that these adjectives express
grammar. feelings.
glad I’m sure that you’re glad to be returning home.
pleased I’m pleased to announce the winner of the car.
proud They were proud to be selected as
ambassadors.
sad My father was sad to see me leave.

BE + ADJECTIVE + (FOR + [PRO] NOUN) + INFINITIVE

Adjective Examples Notes
boring It is boring (for me) to listen to his stories. When these adjectives are used, the subject
disappointing It was disappointing to hear the test of the sentence must be it.
results. A common error is made by using an
exciting It was exciting to receive a letter from animate subject with an adjective that ends
China. with -ing in this construction

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Gerund
A gerund consists of verb+ ing and also takes the place of a noun. Like infinitives,
gerunds can serve a variety of functions in a sentence.

A. Gerunds as Subject of the Sentence

Below are examples of how a gerund can be the subject of the sentence.

Example Notes
Aging can be difficult for some people. Gerund subjects are more common than
infinitive subjects.
Creative writing is one of my The gerund can be part of a noun phrase.
grandmother’s talents.
His not appreciating her help surprised A possessive (pro)noun before a gerund
me. (The fact that he did not appreciate phrase can take the place of a noun clause.
her help surprised me.)
Listening to her was difficult. As with infinitives, it is possible to replace
It was difficult listening to her. the gerund subject with it when it is
followed by the verb be and an adjective.

B. Gerunds as Direct Object

A gerund can also serve as a direct object after certain verbs. The chart below lists
some of these verbs and helpful hints for memorization.
Type B verbs must be followed by a Gerund
Verbs Example Notes
admit, advise, He admitted lying about his A verb + gerund
anticipate, avoid, age. (He lied in the past.) construction often refers to a
appreciate, deny, real, past, known, complete
defend, dislike, experience or event.
enjoy, finish, mind, The students denied cheating A possessive (pro)noun is
recall, recommend, on the test. (The cheating is a sometimes added before the
recollect, regret, completed action. ) gerund to indicate who is
resent, risk, I’ve finished writing the carrying out the action of the
suggest, tolerate, report. (The writing has been gerund.
understand completed.)

Type B verbs must be followed by a Gerund

Verbs Example Notes
Bob recommends my going to the
theater. (The pronoun emphasizes
that I will go.)
My boss resents my arriving late
for work. (I arrive late and he
doesn’t like it.)

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C. Gerund as an Object of the Preposition

Anytime a verb follows a preposition, the verb must be in gerund form.

The chart below lists some coin idiomatic expressions with prepositions that are always followed by
gerunds.

Expressions Examples
In/on
be interested in I’m interested in improving my French.
take part in We took part in helping the poor.
plan on You should plan on leaving at 6:00.
count on You can count on my being early.

Of
be afraid of Are you afraid of getting bored?
be tired of She’s tired of explaining the directions.
be proud of Jan’s proud of having so many friends.
approve of We don’t approve of cheating.

With
be satisfied with I’ll be satisfied with getting a raise.
be fed up with They’re fed up with being broke.
put up with I won’t put up with your misbehaving.
be preoccupied with She’s preoccupied with dieting.

Gerund and Infinitive

There are some verbs that can take either infinitives or gerunds as direct objects with
little or no difference in meaning, as is shown in the chart below:

Type C verbs are followed by either an Infinitive or Gerund: With no difference in

meaning
Verbs Examples
Tomorrow I will attempt to surf. Tomorrow I will attempt
attempt surfing.
begin I began to study two years ago. I began studying two years ago.
continue I will continue to study. I will continue studying.
hate I hate to sleep late in the morning. I hate sleeping late in the
like/love morning.
prefer He loves to receive her letters. He loves receiving her letters.
start She prefers to take the bus. She prefers taking the bus.
Tomorrow I will start to work. Tomorrow I will start working.

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Or with a difference in meaning

Verbs Examples Meaning
try + infinitive My elderly people try to •Make an attempt/make an effort.
+ gerund stay active.
My grandmother has tried •Experiment to find out if a new method
taking long walks for her works.
heart problems.
regret + infinitive I regret to admit that I’m •Feel sorry about saying something
(usually used with say, over the hill. negative
tell, inform, admit)
+ gerund I regret losing all my old •Feel sorry about something that has
photographs. already happened
remember + infinitive I always remember to mail •The remembering occurs before the action.
+gerund my bills on time.
I remember always mailing •Describes a memory of something after it
my bills late when I was takes place.
young.

Or with a difference in meaning

Verbs Examples Meaning
forget + infinitive My son always forgets to call The result of forgetting is that the action
+ gerund on my birthday. doesn’t take place.
I’ll never forget calling my son I’ll never forget + gerund describes a
when he was in Europe. memory of something after it takes place.
stop + infinitive I always stop to buy the Stop for the purpose of accomplishing a
+ gerund newspaper on my way home. task.
I stopped buying the Interrupt an action in progress.
newspaper when my eyes
went bad.

Source:
Kaushik, S., & Nayak, A. (n.d.). Communicating Effectively I n English Book 3 . I n S. Kaushik, & A. Nayak,
Communicating Effectively I n English Book 3 . Abhishek Publications.

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