The tense distinctions of the gerund, like those of the participles and the infinitive, are not absolute but relative.

1. The Indefinite Gerund Active and Passive denotes an action simultaneous with the action expressed by the finite verb; depending on the tense form of the finite verb it may refer to the present, past or future, e.g.: He can swim for any number of hours without tiring. She walked on without turning her head. No one will pass in or out without being seen.

The Indefinite Gerund may also refer to the future when it depends on such verbs as to insist, to intend, to rely, etc. I intend going there tomorrow. I rely on his doing it properly.

2. The Perfect Gerund denotes an action prior to that of the finite verb. She denies having spoken with him. He was ashamed of having shown even the slightest irritation.

However, a prior action is not always expressed by a Perfect Gerund; in some cases we find an Indefinite Gerund. It depends on the lexical meaning of the main verb or a preposition suggesting priority.

Thus the Common (or Indefinite) Gerund is generally used after verbs of recollection, gratitude, blame, reproach, punishment and reward. I shall never forget taking this exam. I remember talking to him once. Thank you for helping me.

The Non-Perfect Gerund is to be found in gerundial phrases introduced by the prepositions on, after and without. On reaching the end of the street we turned towards the river. Mary, after reflecting a little, gave a long sigh.

The Perfect Gerund is used, however, to emphasise the priority. And all of sudden David remembered having heard the name before. He came back after having been away for about 10 years.

 

The Voice Distinctions of the Gerund

The gerund of transitive verbs has special forms for the active and the passive voice, e.g.: He liked neither reading aloud nor being read aloud to.

It should be observed that after the verbs to want, to need, to deserve, to require and the adjective worth the gerund is used in the Active Voice, though it is passive in meaning, e.g.: Your hair needs cutting. This room needs whitewashing. Your suggestion is worth talking over.

Verbs Followed Only by the Gerund

to admit	to imagine	to resent
to appreciate	to mention	to resist
to avoid	to mind	to risk
to deny	to miss	to suggest
to detest	to postpone	to understand
to enjoy	to practise	can’t help
to excuse	to put off	can’t stand
to fancy

Verbs Followed either by the Gerund or the Infinitive

to be afraid	to hate	to propose
to begin	to intend	to recollect
to cease	to like/dislike	to remember
to continue	to love	to regret
can’t afford	to need	to start
can’t bear	to neglect	to stop
to dread	to plan	to try
to fear	to prefer	to want
to forget

Gerund as a Prepositional Object after Monotransitive

Prepositional Verbs

to agree	to	to count	on
to consist	in	to depend	on
to hear	of	to rely	on
to learn	of	to succeed	in
to think	of	to look forward	to
to persist	in	to object	to
to boast	of

Gerund as a Prepositional Object after Ditransitive Verbs

to accuse	smb.	of	to blame	smb.	for
to suspect	smb.	of	to praise	smb.	for
to prevent	smb.	from	to punish	smb	for
to stop	smb	from	to sentence	smb	for
to assist	smb.	in	to have no difficulty		in
to help	smb.	in	to congratulate	smb.	on
to thank	smb.	for	to remind	smb.	of

 

Gerund as a Prepositional Object after Adjectives and Statives

to be afraid	of	to be proud	of
to be aware	of	to be sure	of
to be conscious	of	to be responsible	of
to be capable	of	to be sorry	about
to be fond	of	to be keen	on
to be ignorant	of	to be ashamed	of

 

Gerund as a Prepositional Object after Participle II,