In Gerunds^x, Subjunctives^x, Nouns^x

Both the first and third examples work. The first is the gerund construction, the third is the subjunctive construction. The second is incorrect. However, despite being technically correct, both the first and third examples still sound awkward. Ultimately, I think this is because it sounds...

Hi, This is how I was taught. The terminology can be confusing. I was taught that gerund is the noun form of a verb. Although it’ not a real noun by definition, it functions like one. Another confusing aspect of the “ing” form is that, it’s often mixed up with participle and gerund. i.e. I...

It was a pleasure getting your reply. Now, I prepare the final exam before having (or taking or which one is correct ?) the Lunar New Year. To mention (or Mentioning, or Mention ?) here, I happen to remember that my friends invited me to join a party at the end of year. With blue words,...

CalifJim wrote: If a student points to some construction and asks me if it's the subjunctive or not, I can't reply, 'No, it's a monkey!' Now there you are wrong! You are the teacher and can say any dang thing you want! In fact a smart retort like that might go a long way toward making your...

If a student points to some construction and asks me if it's the subjunctive or not, I can't reply, 'No, it's a monkey!' Now there you are wrong! You are the teacher and can say any dang thing you want! In fact a smart retort like that might go a long way toward making your students...

I'm not sure whether the 'possessive + gerund' structure was preferred by English teachers, when native grammar was taught to the natives. I suspect that it was, if only because Fowler devotes so much space to it. But I would guess that most of those who produce written BrE for public consumption...