The gerund extends into complex nominal phrases with perfect aspect, as in having failed, passive voice, as in being criticised, and perfect passive, as in having been warned. The perfect gerund signals the action happened before the main verb’s time, while the passive gerund shows the subject receives the action.
Grammar Rule
The gerund extends into complex nominal phrases: perfect aspect (having failed), passive voice (being criticised), and perfect passive (having been warned). The perfect gerund signals the action happened before the main verb’s time. The passive gerund is used when the subject of the gerund phrase receives the action rather than performs it.
Gerund in Complex Nominal Functions: Rules and Examples
| Form | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Having + past participle | gerund action precedes the main clause | The government’s having failed to act was criticised. |
| Being + past participle | gerund subject receives the action | Being awarded the contract surprised everyone. |
| Having been + past participle | perfect passive gerund | His having been warned twice didn’t stop him. |
Remember: Use having + past participle for a gerund action that precedes the main clause, and being + past participle when the gerund’s subject receives the action.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using the gerund in complex nominal functions correctly. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
C1-27 Gerund in Complex Nominal Functions
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the perfect gerund signal?
That the action happened before the main verb’s time, as in the government’s having failed to act was criticised.
When is the passive gerund used?
When the subject of the gerund phrase receives the action rather than performs it, as in being awarded the contract surprised everyone.
How do you form the perfect passive gerund?
With having been plus the past participle, as in his having been warned twice didn’t stop him.
What does being plus past participle express?
That the gerund’s subject receives the action.