Licenta 2019 Pohoata.f.diana Florentina Pdf [613107]

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UNIVERSITATEA OVIDIUS CONSTAN ȚA
FACULTATEA DE LITERE
SPECIALIZARE : ENGLEZ Ă-ITALIANĂ

LUCRARE DE LICENȚA

PROFESOR COORDONATOR ,
LECT. DR. NICOLE TA SAVA
STUDEN T,
POHOAȚĂ DIANA FLORENTINA

Constanța
2019

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THE GERUN D
IN ENGLISH AND ITALIAN

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TABEL OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1. THE ENGLISH GERUND
Introduction …………………………………………………………… pg.5
1.1. Introduction………………………………… …………………….. pg.7
1.2. Classification………………………………… …………………… pg.8
1.3. Gerundial clause……………………………… …………………………. pg.12
1.3.1. Subject of gerundial clause………………… ………………………….. pg.13
1.3.2. Syntactic functions ………………………… …………………. ……… pg.14
1.4. Differences between gerunds and participles……………… ……. pg.17
Conclusion……………………………………… …………………… pg.20

Chapter 2. THE ITALIAN GERUND
Introduction……………………………………… ………………….. pg.22
1.1. Introduction………………………………… …………………… pg.24
1.2. Classifica tion……………………………… ……………………. pg.27
1.3. Gerundial clause…………………………… …………………… pg.33
1.3.1. Subject of gerundial clause……………… …………………… pg.35
1.3.2. Syntactic functions……………………… …………………… pg.38
1.4. Differences between gerunds and participles………………… … pg.41

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Conclusion……………………………………… ………………….. pg.44

Chapter 3. THE COMPARISON
Introduction……………………………………… ………………… pg.46
1.1. Classification……………………………… …………………. pg.48
1.2. Gerundial clause…………………………… …………………. pg.50
1.2.1. Subject of gerun dial clause……………… …………………. pg.51
1.2.2. Syntactic functions……………………… …………………. pg.53
Conclusion……………………………………… ……………… ….. pg.55
Final Conclusion…………………………………………………… pg.57
Bibliography…………………………………………………… …… pg.58

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Introduction

The gerund is one of the verbal modes that it is the most used in both written language
and spoken language, and this is the reason why I have chose n this specific topic to write about it
my dissertation thesis. In English, the gerund it is commonly used when speaking and writing
due to its wide range of usage. For the Italian speakers, the gerund , like for the English speakers,
represents the most common mode, but it is used more in the spoken language than in the written
language due to the fact that it is used in the formation of the present progressive time.
In order to analyze the potential differences and similarities between the English gerund
and Italian gerund, I need to specify what is their grammatical nature and the conditions of use.
In the fir st chapter, that it will be theoretical in the most part, I will focus on the English
gerund, on its characteristics, on its syntactic functions and on the English gerundial complement
clause along with the problem of the subject of the gerundial clause , and I will focus on the us e
of the English gerund in the subordinate clause. For this part I will use my own examples and I
will rely on the authors Alexandra Cornilescu, Camelia Bejan, Herman Wekker and Liliane
Haegeman to help me clarify the potential que stions arising regarding this type of gerund.
In the second chapter, that it will be also theoretical, I will focus on the Italian gerund and
its forms, on its characteristics from a morphological and syntactical perspective . For this part , I
have created an informational corpus that it will include information about the forms of gerund,
the syntactic function s, and all types of subject of the Italian gerundial clause. A lso, I will focus
on the use of the Italian gerund in the subordinate clause, and I wi ll rely on the help of the
authors Lorenzo Renzi, Giampaolo Salvi and Giuseppe Patota, and on my own examples in order
to explain and clarify the problem that may arise.
In the third and last chapter of my dissertation thesis, I will focus on the comparis on
between the English gerund and the Italian gerund , and I will focus on the differences and
similarities that may exist between the two gerunds. In the beginning, I will discuss about the
gerundial clauses and about the classification, and I will show w ith the help of the examples the
differences between the two gerundial clause and the similarities if there are.

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Moving to the topic of the subject of the gerundial clauses, I will focus on the different
types of subjects that exist in both languages and I will show with the help of the examples the
differences between the subject of the English gerundial clause and Italian gerundial clause.
Further, I will focus on the syntactic functions of both gerunds, and I will underline any
differences existent betw een the two gerunds with the help pf my own examples.
Therefore, the purpose of this thesis is to summarize from a theoretical perspective , the
use of the English and Italian gerund in the spoken and written language, and the differences
between them.

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Chapter I: The English Gerund

1.1. Introduction
The gerund is one of the two non -finite moods formed with the inflection –ing in
English . The majority of gerunds are formed with the help of the verbs, but they act like noun s
due to their placement near nouns. Because it acts as a noun, the gerund has noun properties.
1) Singing in the choir it is her favorite hobby.

2) Let’s go swimming in the pool.

3) Ana avo ided going to school because she quarreled with her desk mate.
We notice that in the examples above, the gerunds have the structure of the ver bs but they
behave like nouns. The gerund is formed by taking the noun form of the verb ( swim, sing,
go) and addin g -ing at the end of the word .
The gerunds can have active or passive form , and simple or perfect form.
4) All she d oes is writing letters to her boyfriend . (simple gerund/active
form)
5) A new book is being written. (simple gerund/ passive form)

6) Tom ignored all the speculations about his business, as having being
written by an amateur journalist. (perfect gerund/ active form)

7) Sam remember s having written letters to his wife. (perfect gerund/passive
form)
We notice that the verbs used in the examples from above have undergone some changes: in
number 4 the final e of the verb write is omitted, while in the examples 5,6,7, the final consonant

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of the verb write is doubled (the final consonant is doubled if the verb ends in consonant -vowel –
consonant ). In the examples number 6 and 7, the perfect gerund is formed with the help of the
auxiliary verbs have and be (with have and be in the progressive form), while the lexical verb
write it is in its perfect form.
It is mandatory to mention that, like the perfect gerund, the simple gerund is formed with the
help of the auxiliary verb, where the lexical verb is used in his past participle form or in his
progressive form , as we can notice in the examples number 4 and 5.
8) There is no point in not participating in the dance competition.

9) She doesn’t like eating sweets before lunch.

10) She doesn’t like drinking coke .

In the examples number 8 , notice that when there is n egation in the sentence, the negator
no is placed before the gerund, and in some cases the verb in the main clause is in the negative
form , not the gerund ( 9, 10).

1.2. Classification
The English gerund is classified in two major categories: verbal gerunds and nominal
gerunds. The verbal gerunds are formed using a verb that behaves as a different part of the
speech. It can function as a noun, subject, direct object, prepositional object, predicativ e,
adverbial modifiers, and attributes. The verbal ge runds have a different form to indicate aspect
and voice . The verbal gerunds are of three types: PRO -ing, possessive -ing and accusative -ing.
(11)

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11) a) It has to do with Jenny’s absence from school. ( Possessive -ing)

b) It has to do with Jenny being absent from school. ( Accusative -ing)

c) It has to do with being absent from school. (Pro -ing complement)

Aspect
The progressive aspect

12) John was furious about the boss not raising his salary.
In this example we have the progressive gerund placed in the final position, preceded by the
negator not.

The perfect aspect

13) John was furious about his salary not having been raised

14) John was furious about his boss not having raised his salary.

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In the example number 1 3, we need the present perfect continuous to form the perfect
aspect. The negator not is placed before the gerund. In this sentence, the gerund is constituted
from the auxiliary have in its progressive form and be in its perfect form.
To form the perfect aspect is n ot necessary to use both auxiliary, as it can be noticed in the
example number 1 4 where the perfect aspect is formed only with one auxiliary, the perfect have
(in its progressive form) preceded by the negator not, and indicates a completed action.

Voice
Passive voice
15) Sam enjoys b eing photographed by Ann.

16) The baby doesn’t enjoy being taken away from its mother.

In the example number 1 5, the gerund is being photographed while enjoys is the main verb.
In order to use the passive voice in a gerundial clause, we have to use the auxiliary verb be
and add the progressive termination -ing while the second verb needs to be in its perfect form
(3rd form/ ed form).
In the example number 1 6, being taken away it is the gerund, which is formed using the
auxiliary be and -ing. When using negation, the verb near gerund is in its non -finite form, and we
have to insert the verb do.

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17) Tom does not remember having been left the car keys on the table.

18) Ann remember s having been left the car keys on the table.

In the examples from above, the main verb remember it is a mental activity verb and
because of it, there can be expressed an early time frame than the events in the present.

In both exampl es, the use of the present perfect continuous it is obligatory . When we
have negation, there is do insertion plus negator not. We have to mention that the auxiliary verb
is placed after the main verb, while the gerund it is in middle position.

Active voice

19) She admits to stealing his money.

20) She does not admit to stealing the money.

In the example number 1 9, the gerundial clause is in the active voice, and the main verb
admit it is in its present form. In this case, there is a present time concordance.

If there is negation as in the example number 20, we have to insert the verb do and the
negator not and th e main verb it has to be in its non -finite form.

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In the case of the nominals, the nominal gerund has the same characteristics as the nouns
meaning that it may be preceded by an adjective, it may take the determiner the and i t may be
followed by the preposition of. According to the semantics perspective, the nominal gerunds
indicate actions . (21)

21) Let’s go biking. ( biking is an action)

1.3. Gerundial complement clause

The gerundial complement clause it is a phrase the contains a gerund in initial , middle or
final position in the phrase.
A phrase may contain a noun or a verb, thus it can function as a direct object, a subject,
or complement . The gerundial ph rase it is formed from a gerund and the phrase.

22) Eating sugar is bad for teeth.

23) The cats enjoy walking on the roof top.

24) John said that playing the violin is his favorite hobby.

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In the example 22 the gerund is eating sugar and it is placed at the beginning of the
phrase. The gerundial phrase it is also the subject of the sentence.
In the examples number 2 3 and 2 4, the gerunds are in the final or middle position.
In number 2 4, the gerund playing the violin acts as complement, while in the example
number 2 3, the gerund walking on the roof top acts as object of the preposition.

1.3.1 . Subject of the Gerundial Clause

The subject of the gerundial clauses it can be preserved or deleted.

25) Sam insisted on you delivering his speech.

In this example, the subject of the gerund is preserved because it is not coreferential
with the subject of the main clause.
When the subject is deleted, it is because the fact that it is coreferential w ith the subject
of the main clause. The subjectless gerund it is called PRO -ing complement .

26) She insisted on her delivering the speech.
She insisted on [PRO delivering the speech ].

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In this example, the subject of the gerundial clause it is deleted because it is coreferential with
the subject of the main clause. The subject of the gerundial clause it is replaced by PRO.

1.3.2. Syntactic functions of gerund

The gerunds can function as:

Subject

27) Trolling is the funniest thing to do.

28) Ann’s dancing will not help us to win.

The gerundial clause functions as subject for the complement predications in the main
clause.

Direct Object

29) She has to forgive their quarreling.

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30) He doesn’t mind his dancing to be recorded.

The gerundial phrase functions as direct object if there is a transitive verb in the main
clause (forgive, mind).

Prepositional Object

31) She is nervous about Tom’s cooking in that contest.

32) They were excited about fishing for the first time .

The prepositional object is the most common function of the gerund , where the main
clause contains a verb or an adjective followed by a preposit ion.

Attribute

33) The thought of him being involved in their business is strange.

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34) I despise the idea of taking part in their plan.

In both examples, the gerundial clause can function as attribute only for abstract nouns
that take an obligatory preposition: thought of (33), idea of (34).

Predicative

35) [pro-ing Believing ] is [pro-ing dreaming] . (copulative be)

36) [ pro -ing Thinking ] is [pro-ing realizing ]. (copulative be)

In the examples from above, the gerundial clause function as a predicative only if there is
the copulative be . Pro-ing complements can function as predicatives in the mai n sentence.

Adverbial modifier

37) They won the race only by accelerating at the start . (adverb of manner)

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38) She can’t do anything more , after helping them. (adverb of time)

39) After thinking for some time, I realized that it is better this way. (adverb of cause)

In the example number 37, the gerundial clause functions as an adverbial modifier of
manner because there is expressed the way they won the race ( by accelerating ), in the example
number 38, the gerundial clause functions as an adverbial modifier of time, while in the example
number 39 the gerundial clause functions as an adverbial modifier of cause.

1.4. Difference s between gerunds and present parti ciples

The English grammar states that there is a significant difference between gerund and
present participle. Although both are derived from verbs and both end in -ing, the function makes
the difference.
The gerund functions as a subject, direct object , prepositional object , etc. while the
present participle acts as a verb or an adjective.
Another difference is that, the gerunds follow the nouns while the participles follow the
verb and modify nouns.

40) I love dancing. ( gerund/ object)

41) Singing is my favorite hobby. ( gerund/ subject complement)

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42) In this moment, my mom is cooking. ( participle/ verb)

43) The jungle is frightening . (participle/ adjective)

44) The exciting road trip to jungle made the kids happy. ( participle/ adjective
modifying the noun )

In the examples number 40 and 4 1, dancing and singing are gerunds because they behave
like nouns and have the same functions: dancing – object; singing – subject complement).
While in the examples number 4 2, 43 and 4 4, cooking , frightening and exciting are
participles because they act like adjectives or verbs (42), they have both adjectival and verbal
properties, and they modify the noun. (44)
Another di fference is that, the subject of the participial clause is in the nominative (4 5),
while the gerund has the subject in the possessive. ( 46)

45) Weather being favorable, we decided to go out. (participial clause)

46) Tom’s staying home it is bad news. (Gerundial clause)

Also , the participial clause it is followed by conjunctions such as although, though or
adverbs: when, before, etc. as in the example (47). The gerundial clause it is preceded by
prepositions ( 48)

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47) When writing her letter, she noticed the drops of ink on the paper. (participial
clause)

48) During writing her letter, she noticed the drops of ink on the paper. (gerundial
clause)

The present participle can occur only in nominal (49) or ver bal modifie r position. (50)

49) The girl singing it is my cousin . (nominal modifier)
The girl who is singing it is my cousin .

50) Being late in my English class, I got detention. (verbal modifier)
Since I was late in my English class, I got detention.

The participial clause in the example 49 is the result of the reduction of a relative clause.

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Conclusion

The theme of this chapter has been the English gerund, and I have addressed several
points concerning the syntactic functions, the subject of the gerundial complement clause and
also, problems concerning the differences between the gerund and present participle.
I showed in this chapter, with the help of the examples that, the gerund is a non -finite
mood that is formed with the help of a verb and -ing inflection, but follows the noun and has the
same syntactic functions (subject, object, attri bute, predicative, etc.) . Also, th e English gerund is
classified in two major categories (verbal and nominal), each class having distinct characteristics.
If we talk about the verbal gerunds, we have to mention about aspect and voice, and when we
talk abo ut nominal gerunds, we have to mention that they share the same characteristics with the
nouns, they have to be followed by an obligatory preposition, and they may be preceded by
adjectives.
Besides the definition and the classifi cation, another important point I have discussed
about in this chapter is the subject of the gerundial complement clause . I have shown that the
subject of the gerundial complement clause may be preserved or deleted in several situations (it
is preserved when it is not coreferential with the subject of the main clause, and it is deleted
when it is coreferential with the subject of the main clause)
Additionally, the gerundial complement clause may function as subject if there is a
complement predication, may function as object (direc t and prepositional) if the main clause
contains a verb with an obligatory preposition or a transitive verb in the case of the direct
objects, or it may function as attributes and predicative and adverbial modifiers if there are met
several conditions.
The last aspect discussed it was the aspect and the voice of gerunds. I have shown that the
aspect of gerund, as other parts of the speech, can be simple or perfect. The simple aspect it is
formed with the help of the auxiliary verbs in their present progres sive forms while the perfect

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aspect it is formed with the help of the auxiliary verbs in their progressive forms, but followed by
the lex ical verbs in their 3rd form.
The voice of the gerund it has two forms, too. It can be passive or active. The passive
voice it is formed with the help of the as the perfect time, while the active voice in the same way
as the simple aspect.
Based on the facts that I have presented in this chapter, the gerunds, like any other part of
the speech , have their own means of making themselves different from the other components of
the speech, be it the specific termination or their specific properties .

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Introduction

The Italian gerund it is a verbal mode very used in the w ritten language and in the spoken
language. In this chapter I will address the formation of the Italian gerund, the classification of
the Italian gerund, the gerundial clause and its subject, the syntactic functions, and also, the
differences between the Italian gerund and Italian participle.
I will rely on the explanations prepared by several authors such as Lorenzo Renzi,
Giampaolo Salvi and Giusep pe Patota , who will help me to clarify several points concerning the
time aspect of Italian gerund, the v oice, the conditions for subject, and the syntactic functions of
the gerunds.
Along this chapter, I will s how how many types of Italian gerund exist and what are their
characteristics and I will demonstrate whether they have an autonomic use or they depen d on
other parts of speech. According to Giuse ppe Patota, the Italian gerund is the verbal mode which
denotes such complexity that, sometimes , it may be hard to understand due to its ample range of
functions (manner, instrument al, modal , etc.) and that are not always defined.
In his boo k ̋ Grammatica di rifferimento della lingua italiana per stranieri ̋, pub lished in
2006 in Milan, Giuse ppe Patota expla ins that the Italian gerund has two tenses: the present form
and the tense form, both formed being different from each other due to the fact that each form is
used to express different types of actions and indicates different aspects of time such as
anteri ority or simultaneit y, thus showing that the aspect of time has many facets, all of them
being connected with the main clause.
Referring to the issue s of the gerundial clause and its subjects , I will analyze issues
relaying on the authors Lorenzo Renzi and Giampaolo Salvi and their book ̋ Grande grammatica
italiana di consultazion e,˝ vol.2, published in Bologna, in 1991 , and vol.1, published in
Bologna, in 1988, in order to clarify the problems that might arise regarding the use of the
subject. According to the authors above , the Italian gerundial clause has many functions, each of
them indicating different aspects and uses in the language. Besides having many functions, in the

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Italian language the gerundial cla use has more than one type of subjects among them being the
null subject , the lexical subjec t and the generic type of subject, each of them presenting
particular traits and use in the spoken and written Italian language.
In addition to the points regarding the Italian gerund, I will discuss about the nature of the
gerund and the Italian participle and the differences between the two verbal modes, and I will
show with the help of several examples what would these differences be , and I will rely on the
authors mentioned above to help me clarify this subject.

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Chapter II: The Italian Gerund

1.1. Introduction:

The Italian gerund it is a verbal mod (implicit form) which has a wide range of functions.
The Italian gerund s is formed by adding at the end of the word (verb) the terminations -endo for
the verbs ending in -ere, -ire (the only verb who does not follow this rule is dire-dicendo and
other verbs formed with dire), and -ando , for the verbs ending in -are (the only exception being
the verb fare-facendo ). The Italian gerund it is used to f orm the present continuous tense. The
traditional Italian grammars recognizes two forms of gerunds: a simple form (gerundio semplice)
and a compound form (gerundio composto).

1) Lei sta scrivendo una lettera.

(She is writing a letter)

She is writing a letter.

In the example from above, the verb scrivere (scrivendo ) has attached to the root the –
endo termination in order to form the present continuous tense.

2) La bambina stava sorridendo.

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(The little girl was smiling ).

The little girl was smiling.

In the example number 2, the Italian gerund follows the imperfect form of the verb stare
(stava) to form the past continuous tense.
We have to mention that , sometimes , the Italian past participle is used instead of the
gerun d in English.

3) Carlo era seduto sul poltrona.

(Carlo was sitting on the armchair )

Carlo was sitting in the armchair

In this example, essere seduto (era seduto) , it is translated to English as to be sitting ,
which is the gerund form.

In some cases, the gerund can be used by itself , without a subject if the meaning of the
phrase it is clearly understood :

4) Entrando nella cucina, ho sentito un odore stranio.

(Entering in the kitchen, I felt a strange smell)

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When I came in the kitchen, I smelled something rotten.

In this example, the gerund it is used to say when something happened.

5) Vendola parlando con I suoi amici, sono partita a casa.

(Seeing her talking with her friends, I left at home ).

Seeing that she was talking with her friends, I left home.

Here, the Italian gerund it is used to say why something happened . Notice that in English
parlando is translated to the past continuous form of the verb talk.

6) Volendo, potrei imparare a nuotare.

(Wanting, I could learn to swim ).

If I wanted, I could learn to swim.

In the example number 6, the Italian gerund it is to say under what circumstances
something could or can happen. In this case, the equivalent of the Italian gerund in English is the
if clause.

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1.2. Classification

The Italian gerund has two forms: a si mple form called gerundio semplice and a
compound form called gerundio composto . Besides the gerund’s forms, here, we talk about
aspect and voice as well .

The simple gerund (gerundio semplice)

The simple gerund it is used to form progressive constructions. It is used to
express contemporaneity in actions. The simple gerund is formed by adding -endo or -ando to the
root of the verb.

7) Mangiando un pezzo di ciocolata, vedo una nera gatta sul tavola.

(Eating a piece of chocolate, I see a black cat on the table)

While eating a chocolate bar, I saw a black cat on the table.

In the example number 7, the gerund it is used to express two simultaneous actions .
While in Italia n the concordation is in the present, for the concordation in English , the action in
the main clause is in the present and the action in the subordinate clause is in the past.

The simple form it is used when the subj ect from the main clause it is coreferential with
the subject in the subordinate clause.

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Besides the temporal use, the simple gerund ha s a modal use.

8) I bambini imparano giocando.

(The children learn playing )

The c hildren learn by playing .

In this example, the gerund it is use to express the modality in which the action takes
place (how the kids are learning).

The simple form of the Italian gerund it is used to form periphrastic constructions:

9) La malattia va pegiorrando.

(The disease comes worsening ).

The disease it is worsening /it is getting worse .

In this example, the simple gerund it is used in periphrastic constructions with the verb
andare in the present form and express an action that takes place in the progressive time. In
English, such constructions cannot be translated with the verb to walk which is the equivalent of
andare, we have to use the verb get or two transform the adjective into verb .
It is the same case for the periphrastic constructions with stare :

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10) Sto piangendo.
(Stay crying )
I’m crying .

We cannot translate to English using the verb to stay which is the equivalent of the
verb stare from Italian.

Aspect

For the simple gerunds, the aspect is progressive, in concordance with the action that
takes place in t he main clause.

11) Ho incontrato a Paula andando a scuola.

(I have met Paula walking to school .)
I met Paula while walking to school.

In this example, the gerundial clause shows agreement with the main clause and it is replacing
what would be a temporal clause marked by the conjunction mentre , hence its temporal function.

Voice

Since the aspect of the subordinate it is progressive, th e simple gerund can have only an
active voice.

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12) Sto aspettando un pacco.

(Stay waiting a package )

I’m waiting for a package.

In this example, the gerund is sto aspettando . The aspect of the clause it is
progressive and the voice, active.

The compound gerund (gerundio composto)

As in the case of the simple gerund, the compound gerund it is used to express anteriority
in the clause. It is formed with the help of the auxiliary verbs avere (to have) and essere (to be) .

13) Avendo mangiato troppi dolci, la ragazza si sentiva mal di stomaco.

(Having eaten too many sweets, the girl was feeling bad in the stomach )

Having eaten too many sweets, the girl was feeling sick.

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In the example from above, the compound gerund it is formed by adding at the end of
the verb avere the gerund termination, and the lexical verb mangiare in its past form.

14) Essendo stato già tanti volte in Parigi, quest’anno andrò a Vienna.

(Being been already many times in Paris, this year I will go to Vienna .)

Having been to Paris so many times, this year I will go to Vienna.

In the example number 1 4, the compound gerund it is formed with t he help of the
auxiliary essere and the lexical verb stare in its past form. In Italian, the construction with essere
and stare (essendo stato, sono stato) it is the equivalent of the present perfect continuous from
English.
Besides the temporal report, the compound gerund it is used to express a condition or
causal report.

15) Essendo / Poichè è andato in vacanz a, Luigi è molto contento.

(Being walked in vacation /As he is gone in vacation , Luigi is very
contented)

Having gone on va cation /As he went on vacation , Luigi is very happy .

In the example number 1 5, the compound gerund it is used to express a cause and
anteriority to the verb in the main clause. The preposition poichè it is obligatory.

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16) Avendo pagato / Se tu avess i pagato l'affitto a tempo, ora non saresti
sfratto .

(Having paid /If you ha d paid the rent at time, now you would not be
evicted)

If you had paid the rent on time, now you would not be evicted .

In this example, the compound gerund expresses a conditio n. Notice that the gerund it is
formed with the auxiliary verb avere in the progressive or in the conjunctive mode, and the
lexical verb sfrattare (eviction/to evict/to be evicted) in the past form.

Aspect

In the case of the compound gerunds, the subordi nate clause shows a compound aspect
towards the main clause showing anteriority in time.

17) Non avendo studiato, ho ottenuto peggiori risultati all’esame

(Not having studied, I have obtained bad results to the exam .)

Having not studied, I got bad results in the exam.

In this example, the subordinate clause shows anteriority towards the main clause and
masks what would be hypothetical clause.

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Voice

For the compound gerund, the voice it is always passive, and it in dicates anteriority in
actions.

18) Pur avendo avuto una dieta, non sono riuscito a perdere peso.

(Despite having had a diet, I am not achieved to lose weight)
(Despite dieting, I failed to lose weight)

In this example, the gerundial claus e shows anteriority of the action in the main clause
and it masks a hypothetical phrase.

1.3. Gerundial clause

As in the case of many languages, the Italian gerundial clause it contains a gerund
in initial, middle or final position in the phrase. The gerund in the subordinate clause it is formed
from a verb with the specific terminations. In the clause, the gerund may occupy an initial
position, a final position or a middle position. Since the gerund in the subordinate clause it is
derived from a verb, it may function as a predicative and can have verbal functions as well.

19) Avendo pianto tutta la mattina, ora ho un terrib ile mal di testa.

(Having cried all the morning, now I have a terrible bad of head )

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Having cried all morning, now I have a terrible headache.

In the example number 1 9, the gerund in the subordinate clause it is in initial position and
the whole subordinate clause it replaces the hypothetical construction with se. Here, we are
talking about a hypothetical function.

20) La ragazza cantava sorridendo.

(The girl was singing smiling )

The gir l was singing while smiling.

In this example, the gerund it is in final position and it is preceded by a verb in its
imperfect form.

21) Quel ragazzo si è diventato famoso cantando tutti questi anni all’opera.

(That boy ha s become famous si nging all these years at opera )

That boy has become famous by singing all these years at opera .

In this example, the gerund occupies the middle position and it is preceded by an
adjective and it is followed by modifier s of time and place.

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1.3.1. Subject of the Gerundial Clause

The gerund expresses an action which is strongly linked with the action from the
main clause. In this case, the subject it is coreferential with the subject from the main
clause.

22) Marco ha visto un gatto , mangiando una mella

(Marco has seen a cat, eating an apple )

Marco saw a cat while eating an apple.

In this example , the subject of the main clause it is the same with the subject in the
subordinate. Notice that the coma it is used to not create confusion at the semantic level. In
English we have to use a time conj uction.
In the gerundial phrase, there are several typ es of subjects as the null subject, generic
subject, and lexical subject.

Null subject

In the Italian language, the null subject it is one of the most common types of
subjects. The null subject it means that there is no subject expressed in the geru ndial

36
clause. While it is not marked, the null subject coincides with the subject of the main
clause.

23) Ǿ Camminando nel parco, l’ho visto lì.

(Ǿ Strolling in the park, Ǿ saw him there .)

While Ǿ s trolling in the park, I saw him there.

Here, the null subject Ǿ it is coreferential with the subject in the main clause.

Generic subject

The generic subject from a gerundial phrase it is actually a null subject. It changes the
meaning of the main clause, giving it a generic function. Thus, the verb in the main clause it will
have a generic reference when it comes to the time aspect.

24) Andando a scuola, si incontra lei.

(Walking to school, Ǿ meets her )

While going to school, he meets her.

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In the example number 2 4, the verb si incontra has a generic time reference, not a
specific time reference. In opposition to the previous example, in English we need to use a time
conjuction when tran slating from Italian and we need a marked subject.

Lexical subject

The lexical subject from the gerundial phrase it is the most uncommon meaning that it
is not very used in the language. It is mandatory to mention that the lexical subject must be used
only after the auxiliary verb or after the whole verbal structure. T herefore, it is used only in the
case when the subject from the subordinate clause it is different from the subject in the main
clause.

25) Avendolo tu prestiti I soldi, Mario è potuto comprare una nouva
macchina.

(Having you lending t he money, Mario was able to buy a new car)

Having you to lend him the money, Mario was able to /could buy a new
car.

In this example, the pronominal subject you from the gerundial clause it is not
coreferential with the subject in the main clause. This type of structure it is rare used in th e
Italian language.

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1.3.2. Syntactic Functions

The Italian gerund has the following functions :

Modal

26) Le ragazze ballavano ridendo.

(The girls were dancing laughing )

The girls were dancing while laughing.

In this example, the gerund has a modal value , (showing the way in which the girls were
dancing)

Causal

27) Avendo mangiato una mela, mi è caduto il dente.

(Having eaten an apple, the tooth has fallen) .

Having eaten an apple, my tooth fell.

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In this example, the gerund has a causal function. In the English translation, the present
perfect from Italian it is replaced by the past tense.

Conditional

28) Mangiando molti verdure, saresti piu sano.

(Eating many vegetables, you will be very healthy)

By eating many vegetables, you would be healthier.

In this example, the gerund it is expressing a condition. In the English translation, the
gerun d needs to be preceded by an obligatory preposition. This type of gerund it is called
hypothetical gerund (gerundio ipotetico ) and it is used only in conditional clauses.

Concessive

29) Luca, p ur essendo rico, h a comprato un a sola macchina .

(Luca, despite being rich, has bought one only car )

Luca, despite being rich, bough only one car.

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In this example, the gerundial phrase has a concessive value . Because the subordinate is
implicit, the gerund has to be preceded by the preposition pur.

Instrumental

30) Quel’uomo si è diventato ricco vendendo e comprando allogi a basso
prezzo.
(That man has become rich selling and buying accom modations on a low
price)
That man became rich by selling and buying low -cost accommodations.

In this example, the instrumental funct ion is the result of a cause -effect relation.

Temporal

31) Andando a casa, ho incontrato a Paola e Andrea.

(Walking to home, I have met Paola and Andrea .)

Walking home, I met Paola and Andrea ,

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Here, the temporal aspect it is used to express contemporaneity between actions . The
subject from the subordinate it is coreferential with the subject in the main clause.

32) Avendo svegliato troppo presto, mi sentiva stanco.

(Having woken up too early, I was feeling tired)

Having woken up too early, I felt tired.

In this example, the temporal aspect indicates anteriority in the main phrase and the
subordinat e replaces the hypothetical phrase with se.

1.4. Differences between gerunds and participles

The participle is one of the three indefinite modes formed with the help of two
terminations: -ante and -ente. It is used in the formation of the compound tens es and passive
forms (ho parlato ), it can act as an independent preposition (svegliatosi ), as a verb (nascente ), as
a noun (rappresentante ) and as an adjective (perdente )
The participles are adjectives expressing an action or in some cases, a condition. There
are two forms of participle: the present participle used as a noun, adjective and verb, and the past
participle, used in the formations of the past, compound tenses and passive constructions.
The Italian grammar differentiates the gerund f rom the participle. A difference between
the gerund and the participle it would be their grammatical nature. The gerund , in its essence it is
a verb behaving as a noun , while the participle is an adjective.

42

33) La squadra di calcio di Milan è la squadra vi ncente.

(The team of football of Milan is the team winn ing)

The Milan football’s team is the winn ing team.

In this example, vincente it is the participle which acts as an adjective preceded by a
noun.

And a nother significant difference it is that , while the gerunds are used to express actions
and conditions according to the main clause, the participle are used to express actions or
conditions concerning a subject or an object , and they are expressing qualities of the verbs,
nouns or adjective.

34) Guardando a lui, ho capito che la felicità significa perdono.

(Looking at him I have understood that the happiness means forgiveness ).

Looking at him, I understood that happiness means to forgive.

35) Lui ha in mano la carta vincente.

(He has in hand the winning card)

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He holds the winning card.

In the example number 3 4, the gerund guardando it is linked to the verb in the main
clause: I understood what happiness means because I looked at him .
In the example number 3 5, the participle vincente it is linked to the word carta which is a
direct object, and adds to its quality.

44
Conclusion

The theme of this chapter was the Italian gerund and I have addressed different points
regarding the nature of the Italian gerund, the gerundial subordinate clause, the subject of the
clause, and also, differences between the Italian gerund and Italian participle .
I showed in this chapter, with the help of the examples that the Italian gerund it is a
verbal, indefinite mode used to express actions and conditions in concordance with the main
clause, and that it has two forms: a present and a past form which are formed with the help of
terminations. Also, th e Italian gerund it used to in the formation of the progressive tense and in
the formations of the hypothetical phrases.
In addition to the formation and the classification of the Italian gerund, another important
point I have discussed about it is the sub ject of the gerundial complement clause, and I have
shown that the subject of the gerundial complement clause may be preserved or deleted in
different situations, such as when the subject of the subordinate clause it is coreferential with the
subject in th e main clause, it is delete , and this is called null subject . I have shown that when the
subject in the main clause it is different, the subject of the gerundial clause it is preserved, this is
being called as lexical subject.
Another point I have addressed in this chapter are the syntactic functions (values) of the
Italian gerund. I have shown that the Italian gerund has a wide range of syntactic functions in
different situations. The Italian gerund it may have hypothetical val ue, causal value, concessive
value, modal value and temporal value. The temporal aspect of the Italian gerund refers to the
two forms of it, meaning that the simple gerund has an active temporal value also called active
voice while the compound gerund, whi ch helps to the formation of the past tenses, has a passive
temporal value, called passive.
The last thing I have approached in this chapter it is the differences between the Italian
gerunds and the Italian participle. I have shown with the help of several examples that there are
differences between the two indefinite verbal modes such as their use in the speech and their
grammatical nature. If the Italian gerund it is used to express conditions and progressive actions
in concordance with the main clause, the participle it is used in addition to the qualities of the

45
verbs, nouns and adjectives. While the gerund it is formed from a verb, the Italian participle can
be formed from an adjective, noun and verb.
Based on the facts I have presented in this chapter, the Italian gerund it is the mode that
helps to the formation of a tense, and denotes a bigger complexity than the other two indefinite
modes in Italian, i.e. the infinitive and the participle.

46

Introduction

In this chapter I will discuss about the comparison between the English gerund and Italian
gerund, analyzing the differences and similarities that may exist between.
In order to clarify different points regarding the comparison between the English gerund
and the Italian gerund , I will rely on the authors Alexandra Cornilescu, Camelia Bejan, Herman
Wekker and Liliane Haegeman, Giuseppe Patota, Lorenzo Renzi and Giampaolo Salvi to help
me analyze the gerundial clauses, the subject of the gerundial clauses, and the syntactic functions
of both ger unds, and to point out what are the differences between the two gerunds and if there
are similarities between the English gerund and the Italian gerund.
Addressing the topic of the English gerund, I will rely on the authors Camelia Bejan and
Alexandra Corn ilescu , Herman Wekker and Liliane Haegeman , and their books in order to
discuss the concept of the English gerundial clause, the subject of the English gerundial clause
and syntactic functions of the English gerund.
For the topic of the Italian gerund, I will rely on the Italian authors Giuseppe Patota,
Lorenzo Renzi and Giampaolo Salvi and on several examples for discussing the concept of the
Italian gerundial clause, the subject of the Italian gerundial clause and the syntactic functions.
According to professor, Camelia Bejan and her course The Syntax of the English
Language – The Complex Sentence , published in 2015, in Constan ța, the English gerundial
complement clause shares the same syntactic functions with the noun , meaning that it can
function as subject, direct object, prepositional object, predicative, attribute and adverbial
modifiers. In contrast to the English gerundial clause, there is the Italian gerundial clause which,
according to Lorenzo Renzi and Giampao lo Salvi and their book Grande Grammatica Italiana di
Consultazioni , vol.2, published in 1991, in Bologna and vol.1 , published in 1998, Bologna, the
Italian gerundial clause has a verbal aspect and shares the same functions and values with the
verb, meanin g that it can have modal value, hypothetical value, instrumental value, causal value,
and concessive value.

47
Continuing with the subject of the gerundial clause, in the book English Syntax ,
published in 1982, in Bucharest, Alexandra Cornilescu states in he r book that the subject of the
gerundial clause may be preserved when the subject is not coreferential with the subject if the
main clause , or it may be deleted when the subject is identical with the subject of the main
clause. The Italian author Giuseppe Patota agrees with the affirmation in his book Grammatica
di rifferimento della lingua italiana per stranieri ̋, pub lished in 2006 , in Milan , and says that the
subject of the Italian gerundial clause may be preserved when the subjects are not coreferential
and it can be deleted when the subjects are the same. Along this chapter, I will show the
differences regarding the syntactic functions with the help of several examples to help me clarify
said differences and to point out any similarities if they exist , too.

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Chapter III: The Comparison

1.1. Classification

As we have seen in the chapters before, both gerunds present a series of similarities and
differences that makes them to be quite distinct from each other . The English gerund it is
classified in two categories . In Italian, the gerund it is classified in two categories, too , but with a
slight difference. While the English gerund can be nominal (derived from verbs with nominal
properties ) and verbal ( derived from verbs behaving like different parts of the speech ), the Italian
gerund can be simple (used to form the present cont inuous tense) and compound (used in
hypothetical constructions).
The important difference between them is that, i n contrast to the English gerund where
said gerund it can act as a noun or a direct object, or as an adverbial modifier, the Italian gerund
it is derived from a verb and acts like a verb and verb only. It cannot act as a direct object, noun
or as other parts of speech.

1) Painting is my favorite hobby . (English -verbal gerund/subject)

2) Paolo sta mangiando. ( Italian -simple gerund/verb)

(Paolo stays eating )

Paolo it’s eating.

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In the example number 1, the English gerund it belongs to the verbal category and it
functions as a subject. In the example number 2, the Italian gerund it is in its simple form ,
formed with the help of the verb mangiare and the -ando termination, and it behaves as a verb.
Notice that in the sentence number 2, the Italian gerund is used to form the present continuous
tense.
When it comes to the aspect and voice , the two gerunds p resent similarities and no
differences. The English gerunds can have progressive aspect with an active voice and a perfect
aspect with a passive voice. In the case of the Italian gerunds, the aspect it can be progressive
with an active voice for the simple form and compound aspect with passive voice for the
compound form.
3) Our sister is excited about going to Italy . (progressive aspect/active voice)

4) She was upset about her writings not ha ving been selected for the contest . (perfect
aspect/passive voice)

5) Avendo studiato per l’esame tutta la note, lui ha ottenuto buoni risultati
(compound aspect/passive voice)

(Having studied for the exam all night , he has obtained good result.)

Having studied all night for the exam, he got good grades.

6) Sto lavando l e mani . (progressive aspect/active voice)

(Stay washing the hands )

I’m washing my hands.

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In the examples number 3, the English gerund presents a progressive aspect and an active
voice, while in the number 4, the gerund presents a perfect aspect and with a passive voice .
In the case number 5, the Italian gerund avendo studiato shows compound aspect with a
passive voice, and for number 6, the gerund sto lavando shows progressive aspect with an active
voice.

1.2. Gerundial clause

The gerundial English clause has nominal properties too and it can function as a
subject, direct object, predicative, attribute, prepositional object and adverbial modifie r. In the
case of the Italian gerundial clause, the gerund has verbal properties and it can function only as
predicative. Regardless of their language , the gerund can occupy any position in both languages .

7) Painting is her favorite activity (subject)

8) Tom likes playing in the rain (prepositional object)

9) I bambini ballavano ridendo. (predicative)

(The children danced laughing )

The children danced laughing .

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In the examples number 7 and 8, the English gerundial clauses have the syntactic
functions of subject and prepositional object, while the Italian gerundial clause from number 9,
has the syntactic function of predicative because the gerund it is derived from a verb and
functions as a predicative .

1.3.1. Subject of the gerundial clause

In English, the subject of the gerundial clause it may be preserved or deleted in
special situations. It is preserved when it is not coreferential with the subject of the main clause,
and it is deleted when the subject it is coreferential with the subject of the main clause. The
deleted subject it is c alled PRO -ing, and it is a type of verbal gerund.
In Italian, like in English, there are several types of subject for the gerundial
clause such lexical, null and generic, each of them used in special cases. The null subject it is the
equivalent of the pro-ing construction. The subject may be deleted and preserved, as in English.
As mentioned before, the Italian gerundial clause has more than one subject of the clause.
They are used in the following situations:
The generic subject it is used when both subjects are coreferential . It gives a generic
meaning to the clause (10). The generic clause it is a species of null subject.

10) (Io) Guardando il TV, (io) mi sono ricordato che devo chiudere a chiave la porta.

(Watching the TV, am remembered that have to close at key the door)

Watching the TV, I remembered that I have to lock the door.

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The null subject it is used when both subjects are coreferential (like in the case of the
generic subject). (11)

11) (Io) Andando a scuola, (Io) ho visto a Marco giocando il calcio.

(Walking at school, saw Marco playing football )

Walking to school, I saw Marco playing football.

The lexical subject it is used when the subjects are not coreferential and it must be used
after the auxiliary verbs . This type of gerund it is called absolute gerund . (12).

12) Avendol a tu andato con lei al ballo di fine anno, Maria è stata in grado di essere
scelta come la regina del ballo .

(Having you gone with her to prom, Maria could be chosen as the queen of prom)

Having (you) been with her to prom, Mary could be chosen as the prom queen.

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1.3.2. Syntactic function s

When talking about the syntactic functions of the two gerunds, there are several
differences. Due to their grammatical nature, both the English gerund and the Italian gerund have
different syntactic functions: because the English gerund behaves as a noun, it shares the same
syntactic functions with the noun, meaning that it can function as subject, direct object,
predicative, prepositional object, attribute and adverbial modifier.
In the case of the Italian gerund, because it is formed from a verb and acts as predicative,
it can only have the same functions as verb, and thus, it can have modal function, causal
function, concessive function, temporal function, instrumental function and conditional function.

13) Knitting is the most relaxing activity . (English gerund)

14) Dan has to excuse my interrogating about what happened that night. (English
gerund)

15) Lavando I piatti, mi sono tagliato il dito. (Italian gerund)

(Washing the plates, I have cut my finger )

Washing the dishes, I cut my finger.

16) Paola, pur essendo spaventata dai cani, ho comprato uno per la sua figlia. (Italian
gerund)

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(Paola, despite being scared of dogs, she has bought one for her daughter. )
Paola, despite being afraid of dogs, she bought one for her daughter.

In the example number 1 3, the English gerund knitting it is used as a noun, and thus it
functions as subject in the clause.
In the example number 1 4, interrogating it is used as noun, too, and so it functions as
direct object because of the transitive verb excuse in the main clause.
In the example number 1 5, the Italian gerundial clause has a causal function because it is
expressing the cause of the act ion in the main clause .
In the example number 1 6, the Italian gerundial clause has a concessive function because
it shows a concession.

55
Conclusion

The theme of this chapter was the comparison between the English gerund and the
Italian gerund , and I have shown the differences and similarities between the two types of
gerunds with the help of several examples.
In the first part of the chapter, I have talked about the differences b etween the English
gerund and Italian gerund regarding their classifications and aspect . Here, I showed that the
English gerund it is classified according to its grammatical nature, meaning that it can be verbal
and nominal. While the Italian gerund it is classified according to its aspectual nature, meaning
that, it can be simple or compound. The aspect of the English gerund can be perfect or
progressive according to the temporal value. It is perfect when the action expressed shows
anteriority, and it can be progressive if the action expressed it is progressive. In the case of the
Italian gerund, the aspect can be compound when the action in the subordinate show anteriority,
and it can be progressive when the actions are simultaneous.
For both, the English Gerund and Italian gerund the voice can be active if there it is
simultaneity between actions, and it can be passive of the actions show anteriority.
In the second part of the chapter, I have discussed about the gerundial cl auses and their
subjects. I hav e shown with the help of examples that, in English, the gerundial complement
clause has nominal properties, while in Italian the gerundial clause has verbal properties.
Regarding the subject of the of the gerundial complement clause, in English, its subjec t
can be preserved if the subjects are not coreferential, or it can be deleted if the subjects are
coreferential. The deleted subject it is called PRO -ing. Besides the PRO -ing construction, the
English grammar recognizes other constructions such as possess ive-ing construction and
accusative -ing construction. In Italian, the subject of the gerundial clause it is of three types:
generic, null and lexical. In the case of the generic and null subject, they are not preserved
because they are coreferential with the subject of the main clause, while the lexical subject it is
preserved due to the fact that it is not coreferential with the subject of the main clause. The
lexical subject it is less used in language due to its special status.

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In the last part of the c hapter, I have talked about the syntactic functions of the English
gerund and Italian gerund. In English, the gerunds have the same syntactic functions as the noun,
meaning that it can function as subject, direct object, prepositional object, predicative, attribute
and adverbial modifiers. In the case of the Italian gerund, the gerundial clause shares the same
functions as the verb, meaning that it can have a modal function, temporal function, causal
function, concessive function, conditional function, and instrumental function, all of them
showing different facets of the gerund.

57

Final Conclusion

The theme of my research paper has been the comparison between the English
gerund and the Italian gerund, and I have shown the differences between the gerunds with the
help of the collected data and with the help of the examples.
In the first chapter, I have focused on the English gerund and its own characteristics; I
have talked about the grammatical nature of the English gerun d, the classification, the gerundial
phrase, the problem regarding the subject of the gerundial phrase and also, I have talked about its
use and its syntactic functions. In this chapter I rel ayed on th e help of the authors mentioned in
the introduction and on their works, and also on the example, in order to address this topic.
In the second chapter, I have focused on the Italian gerund and its traits. I have addressed
the topic of the gerundial phrase subject, I have talked about the syntactic functions, t he
gerundial phrase, the classification, and as well, I have talked about the temporal aspect. Also, in
this chapter, I relayed on the help of the Italian authors mentioned in my introductions, and as
well on the help of the examples.
In the third and last chapter, that has been more practical than the other two chapters, I
have focused on the contrast between the English gerund and the Italian gerund in order to
identify the possible similarities and differences between the two gerunds. I have talked about
their traits in parallel and I have relayed on the help of the application in order to show this
contrast.
To conclude my dissertation paper, the comparison between the English and the Italian
gerund has shown me that the parallel between the two gerunds it is very stark, and that there are
more differences than similarities.

58

Bibliography :

Bejan Camelia, (course) The Syntax of the English Language – The Complex Sentence II,
Constan ța, 2015 ;
Cornilescu Alexandra, English Syntax, vol. II, Bucure ști, România, 1982 ;
Haegeman Liliane, Wekker Herman , A Modern Course in English Syntax, London, 1985;
Patota Giuseppe, Grammatica di Rifferimento della Lingua Italiana per Stranieri , Milan,
2006
Renzi Lorenzo, Salvi Giampaolo, (a cura di) Grande Grammatica di Consultazione, vol.
I, Bologna: Il Mulino, 1988
Renzi L orenzo , Salvi G iampaolo (a cura di), Grande Grammatica Italiana di
Consultazione vol. II, Bologna: Il Mulino, 1991 .