Simple Gerund Phrases vs Complex Gerund Phrases

Expert replies

ajay.sisodia: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 3; Joined: Sat Sep 22, 2012 3:19 am

by ajay.sisodia » Wed Oct 03, 2012 6:59 am

Hi,
I am not able to understand difference between complex gerund phrase and a simple gerund phrase. Can someone please help.

A) The network security team is responsible for detecting new viruses and creating software pataches to block those viruses.

B) The network security team is responsible for the detection of new viruses and the creation of software patches to block those viruses.

Which one is correct and why?
*this question has also been asked in an other post on this forum, however I could not understand the explanation there.
https://www.beatthegmat.com/simple-gerun ... 90037.html

Like this post

Source: Beat The GMAT — Sentence Correction | Wed Oct 03, 2012 6:59 am

Kasia@EconomistGMAT: GMAT Instructor; Posts: 646; Joined: Mon May 21, 2012 7:08 amFollowed by: 143 members; Thanked: 322 times

by Kasia@EconomistGMAT » Wed Oct 03, 2012 7:05 am

As it was said in the older thread, both versions are grammatically correct. The difference between the two sentences is that the first uses -ing forms (=gerunds) "detecting" and "creating", whereas the second uses nouns "detection" and "creation." Thus the second sentence does not use gerunds.

Kasia
Senior Instructor
Master GMAT - the #1 rated GMAT course

"¢ If you found my post helpful, please click the "thank" button and/or follow me.

"¢ Take a 7 day free trial and find out why Economist GMAT is the highest rated GMAT course - https://gmat.economist.com/

"¢ Read GMAT Economist reviews - https://reviews.beatthegmat.com/economis ... mat-course

Like this post

ajay.sisodia: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 3; Joined: Sat Sep 22, 2012 3:19 am

by ajay.sisodia » Wed Oct 03, 2012 12:09 pm

Hi
Could you explain the difference b/w complex gerund phrase and a simple gerund ??

Thanks!!

Like this post

sana.noor: Legendary Member; Posts: 512; Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2012 11:31 pmFollowed by: 20 members; Thanked: 42 times

by sana.noor » Wed Oct 03, 2012 8:03 pm

Hi, Gerunds are -Ing form of verb used as noun.
1) Tracking satellites accurately is important -------> it is used here as a noun, no one is tracking satellites......Simple Gerund (noun outside verb inside)
2) the accurate tracking of satellite is important------>it is complex gerund defining what type of tracking "accurate tracking is important" (Noun Through and Through). it is often preceded by articles (a,an or the) or adjectives and mostly Object is put into an Of-Prepositional phrase.
Remember the Important rule: Simple gerunds are NEVER parallel to complex gerunds and action nouns.
however, complex gerunds can be parallel to action noun.

Work hard in Silence, Let Success make the noise.

If you found my Post really helpful, then don't forget to click the Thank/follow me button.

Like this post

Post new topic Locked

• Page 1 of 1

GMAT Course Reviews

559 reviews

1168 reviews

431 reviews

359 reviews

147 reviews

5/5

5 Star (560 Reviews)

"Target Test Prep is the closest to the official version of the GMAT exam, about 99% accuracy in terms of the quality and quantity of information. The course has excellently created singular sets of focused lessons and tests for every possible topic that one could come across in the official GMAT exam."

"The TTP course maximizes the efficiency of the time you spend studying. It will take time and effort but I could almost guarantee that if you complete the course exactly as it is laid out you will get an amazing score. They also have a very responsive team willing to help with any questions you might have."

"TTP has two things that I think no other test prep company offers: A teaching approach that reinforces understanding and an attitude that will give you the mental preparedness needed to succeed on the test. TTP gives you a deep understanding of the concept you need to know while teaching you how to think."

Write a Review