During + Gerund Possible ?

Question

Please see the following sentences.1) During washing my cloths, I had to get a phone call from my friend.2) During preparing a speech, I had to get a phone call from my friend.Are both wrong ? "During" is a preposition. Can't I use a gerund there ?  Is "During" a particular preposition which requires only a noun ? Thanks in advance.

AlpheccaStars · Accepted Answer

1) During washing my clothes, I had to take a phone call from my friend.
2) During preparing a speech, I had to take a phone call from my friend.

Are both wrong ? " yes. Use "While", not "During"

During the time I was washing my clothes....
While washing my clothes...

I can't think of many examples of "during + gerund." Here is one:

During the running of the fourth race, I placed all my bets on the favorite in last race.

Son James · Answer

Ah! I've gotten a hint thanks to your words that you can't think of many examples of "during+gerund".
Now I wonder if those phases I described in the above look "present participle" to you.
Here is a sentence.
"Washing my clothes is my job." In this case, "Washing my clothes" is a gerund. Right ?
But those after the preposition of "during" in my writing are present participles to you. Isn't it right ? If my thought is right, in usual you,English and American regard that gerunds can't come to prepositions like "after","before","Sine" and "until". Yes ! In a view of grammar, they can definitely come to those prepositions. but I think it's hard job for you,guys to imagine it. Because the meanings of prepositions related to time or term somewhat prevent gerunds as it is from coming there. What do you think about my opinion ? I hope you can understand what I mean now. Thank you in advance.

AlpheccaStars · Answer

Son JamesHere is a sentence."Washing my clothes is my job." In this case, "Washing my clothes" is a gerund. Right ?

Actually. the gerund is "washing"

Son JamesBut those after the preposition of "during" in my writing are present participles to you. Isn't it right ?

No, an object of a preposition would be a a noun. So, if we put a verb+ing form after a preposition, it would be a gerund.

The problem here is that "during" needs a period or duration of time. The gerund does not have that meaning of start and termination, only some idea of ongoing activity. Only when modified by another phrase, does it have a beginning and end:
eg.
During the running of the marathon, I will be taking photographs of all the runners.

The other prepositions -- before, after, since, until -- require a point in time or an event.
A gerund can sometimes be used in rules regarding general activities, eg.

After washing your hands, dry them under the blower.
Wash your hands before eating.
Brush you teeth after eating.

Son James · Answer

Thank you so much. Now I could understand what you've meant.

Anonymous · Answer

During my clothes was being washed.
Is it ok?

CalifJim · Answer

AnonymousIs it ~~ok?~~ OK?

No. You need While my clothes were being washed, and then you have to finish the sentence.

CJ

CalifJim · Answer

Son JamesDuring + Gerund Possible ?

No! You will see it on a rare occasion, but it is not a good idea to use it. Besides, we try to avoid two -ings in a row no matter how they occur in a sentence.

See http://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/during

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

Son James Please see the following sentences.1) During washing my cloths, I had to get a phone call from my friend.2) During preparing a speech, I had to get a phone call from my friend.Are both wrong ? "During" is a preposition. Can't I use a gerund there ? Is "During" a particular preposition which requires only a noun ? Thanks in advance.

I think they both are wrong.

Anonymous · Answer

Can l say During watchig the mach or l say During his watch the match

CalifJim · Answer

AnonymousCan l say During watchig the mach or l say During his watch the match

No. Don't say those. We don't use the -ing form after 'during'.
.
Say During the match or While watching the match.
__________
By the way, you posted this three times. Please don't do that. Copies have been deleted.
.
CJ

During + Gerund Possible ?

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