GRAMMAR QUIZ 5 • ANSWER KEY
Group A
Gerunds
Exercise 1
1 being promoted: Gerund (my being promoted) is used
here as an object and in the same way a noun (my
promotion) could be used.
2 working: Gerund (working with food) is used here as the
subject of the second clause in the sentence.
3 expecting: Gerund is part of an expression with the
preposition with. The whole expression is used as a
subject in a clause which is part of a sentence with two
different subjects.
4 doing: Gerund is used after while instead of a full Past
Continuous form (while I was doing) when the subject of
the two clauses forming the sentence is the same.
5 convincing: Gerund is used after prepositions.
6 letting: Gerund is used instead of a noun meaning
I appreciate the information.
7 receiving: Gerund is used after the preposition on at
the beginning of the sentence meaning As soon as he
received the letter.
Exercise 2
1 on arriving in London: It means as soon as I arrived in
London.
2 in the middle of describing: Gerund is used after
prepositions, in expressions such as in the middle of.
3 concerned about my starting: Gerund is used after
prepositions, in expressions such as be concerned
about.
4 Having worked at a restaurant: Gerund together with
the past participle of the main verb is used as the
equivalent of the Past Perfect when the subject of both
clauses is the same to clarify the sequence of events.
© Pearson 2017    FOCUS 5    PHOTOCOPIABLE
Group B
Gerunds
Exercise 1
1 Earning: Gerund is used at the subject of the sentence.
2 working: Gerund is used after while instead of a full Past
Continuous form (while they were working) when the
subject of the two clauses forming the sentence is the
same.
3 being promoted: Gerund (my being promoted) is used
here as an object and in the same way a noun (my
promotion) could be used.
4 comparing: Gerund is used after the phrase can’t help
meaning I can’t resist.
5 explaining: Gerund is used after prepositions, in
expressions such as in the middle of.
6 finding: Gerund is used after prepositions, in
expressions such be delighted about.
7 Being: Gerund is used as the subject of the sentence.
Exercise 2
1 With permanent employment becoming: Gerund is part
of an expression with the preposition with. The whole
expression is used as a subject in a clause which is part
of a sentence with two different subjects (permanent
employment becoming increasingly rare, young people).
2 you/your recommending me / having recommended
me: Gerund is used as the object of the sentence in the
same way a noun could be used (your recommendation
of me); the perfect -ing form stresses the sequence of
activities.
3 Having done a similar job: Gerund is used to show the
cause and effect; if the cause is in the past, the perfect
-ing form is used (having done).
4 succeeded in turning: Gerund is used after prepositions.