Perfect gerund in English: Structure, function, usage

Using the structure of perfect gerunds flexibly and correctly will help you express ideas in sentences more effectively. In the article below, let's learn more from PREP about how to use this structure and practice with some exercises!

I. What is a perfect gerund?

The Perfect Gerund is formed using the auxiliary verb "having" along with a past participle verb. The Perfect Gerund is used when wanting to express an action that occurred at a specific time in the past.

The formula:

having + past participle

For example:

• Kelsey is exercising to recover from having been in an accident. 
• Brian apologized for having arrived late to the party. 

II. The function of the perfect gerund 

The Perfect Gerund plays an important grammatical role within sentences. Here are the main functions of the Perfect Gerund that are important to remember:

1. The perfect gerund acts as a subject

The Perfect Gerund can act as the subject of a sentence when it stands at the beginning of the clause.

For example:

• Having studied all night makes her exhausted. 
• Having lost his way made him meet me - his destiny. 

2. The perfect gerund acts as an object when following a preposition

The Perfect Gerund can function as an object when it follows a preposition.

For example:

• Kevin left the party without having said goodbye to me. 
• We celebrated the win by having gathered together for a special party. 

3. The perfect gerund acts as an object when following regular verbs

When following a regular verb, the Perfect Gerund can also act as the object.

• Elizabeth seems to regret not having passed the interview. 
• When I was a child, my greatest dream was having become a writer.

III. The structure of the perfect gerund

To use it correctly, you need to understand the structure that makes up perfect gerunds. Below are the most basic structures you need to know.

1. Verb + preposition + perfect gerund

The Perfect Gerund structure when following phrasal verbs:

S + V + (O) + preposition + having + past participle

Some common phrasal verbs include:

• apologize for… 
• accuse ... of
• insist on… 
• thank ... for
• suspect ... of
• admire ... for
• blame ... for
• congratulate ... on
• criticise ... for

For example:

• Jessica congratulations on having passed the exam. 
• Rebecca apologized for having forgotten the documents at home. 

2. Verb + perfect gerund

The Perfect Gerund structure when following verbs:

S + V + having + past participle

Some common verbs in this structure include:

• Mention
• Remember
• Recall
• Regret
• Admit
• Deny
• Forget

For example:

• Matthew admitted having cheated on his girlfriend for 3 months. 
• Sarah regretted having given up the exam. 

IV. Distinguishing between Perfect Gerunds and Perfect Participles

Without diligent study, it's easy to confuse perfect gerunds and perfect participles. On a basic level, their structures are similar, but their precise usages and syntactic functions differ in important ways:

Similarities: Both contain the structure: having + past participle (V3/-ed).

Differences:

V. Perfect gerund exercises

To truly apply and retain knowledge of perfect gerunds, you should spend more time practicing exercises. Below are some exercises compiled by PREP - try them out!

1. Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the appropriate perfect gerund form in the following sentences:

1. After __________ (have) a party, they decided to go club.

2. __________ (admit) to this school was his wish.

3. John insisted on __________ (see) this video before.

4. She thanked me for __________ (help) her with her important task.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer:

1. __________ up late is harmful for our health.

A. Staying

B. To stay

C. Stayed

D. Hofat stayed

2. When John called me, I didn’t answer. I pretended __________ already.

A. to sleep

B. sleeping

C. having slept

D. to have been sleeping

3. She doesn't recall __________ about it.

A. having told

B. having been told

C. to have told

D. to have been told

4. James mentioned __________ in a serious accident as a child. 

A. having injured

B. having been injured

C. to have injured

D. to have been injured

2. Answer

Exercise 1:

1. Having had

2. Having been admitted

3. Having seen

4. Having helped

Exercise 2:

VI. Take the First Step Towards IELTS Success 

This article has compiled the key concepts about perfect gerunds that you need to fully understand. If your goal is to achieve a Band 7 or higher, these IELTS resources are for you :

• IELTS course: Master IELTS With Us!