In modern English, the gerund has the following forms.
|
|
Active |
Passive |
|
Indefinite |
playing |
being played |
|
Perfect |
having played |
having been played |
8.1. The Indefinite Gerund denotes an action simultaneous with that expressed by the finite verb; it can refer to the past, present or future.
It was nice meeting you.
The Perfect gerund denotes an action prior to that of the finite verb.
They deny having spoken with him.
However, the Indefinite gerund can also denote a prior action:
a) after the verbs remember, forget, excuse, forgive, thank.
Sarah remembered visiting the place before.
b) after the prepositions after, on/upon, without.
On turning the corner, I saw a most unexpected sight. (=As soon as I had turned…)
8.2. The Active Gerund is used when the subject of the action is at the same time the doer of the action expressed by the gerund.
They left without playing the match.
The Passive Gerund is used when the subject is not the doer of the action but a person or a thing the action is directed at.
I’m annoyed at having been made a fool of.
The Active Gerund is used after need, want, require, deserve and the adjective worth with a passive meaning.
These windows need painting. (=need to be painted)
9.
