The category of voice. The active G points out that the action is directed from the subject, the passive G indicates that the action is directed towards the subject:
Ex.: I hate interrupting people. - I hate being interrupted.
The perfect passive G is very rarely used.
There are some verbs (need, want, require, deserve) & the adjective worth which are followed by an active G with passive meaning. (Your hair needs cutting. This house wants painting.)
Syntactical functions of the Gerund. The G can perform any syntactical function performed by a noun. It may function (a) alone, without modifiers, or (b) as the headword of a gerundial phrase, or (c) as part of a gerundial predicative construction. Ex.: a) I like driving. b) I like playing the piano. c) I like Ann’s playing the piano.
4. Verbals as a Subject and Part of a Compound Nominal Predicate. G as a Subject. As a rule the G as subject stands in front position.
Ex.: Ann’s coming tomorrow will make all the difference.
The subject stands in postposition in sentences opening with an introductory it, which happens when the meaning of the subject is accentuated & the predicate is a phrase such as to be (of) no use, to make all the (no) difference. Ex.: U’ll make no difference your being quite.
In sentences with the introductory there the G is preceded by the negative pronoun no. such sentences are usually emphatic.
Ex.: Well, there is no avoiding him now.
G as a Part of a Compound Nominal Predicate. As predicative the G may express either (a) a state or (b) identity. In the second case the predicative of identity reveals the meaning of the subject.
Ex.: a) Peter was against your joining us. b) Ann’s hobby is collecting all sorts of bugs & butterflies.
Note: Also – Do u feel like going for a walk?
Inf. as a Subject. The Inf. functioning as an subj. may either precede the predicate or follow it. In the later case it is introduced by the introductory it: It’s so silly to be fussy& jealous.
The function of the can be performed by the Inf. of any voice, aspect and correlation form.
