What Is a Gerund?
The gerund is the -ing form of a verb. The gerund has the same function as a noun in a sentence, despite that it looks like a verb and is conjugated in the same way as the present participle.
Example
Explanation
Smoking harmfully affects your health.
Smoking is the -ing form of the verb smoke, and has the same function as the noun in this sentence.
Usage
Rule 1: We can use the gerund as the subject of the sentence.
Example
Explanation
Running in the morning makes me feel great for the whole day ahead.
Running is the gerund that functions as a subject in this sentence.
Rule 2: We can use the gerund as the complement of the verb to be.
Example
Explanation
One of my direct responsibilities is attending industry meetings and workshops.
Attending is the gerund used as a complement in the sentence.
Rule 3: We use the gerund when a verb comes after a preposition or certain certain expressions ending in a preposition, such as in spite of and there is no point in.
Example
Explanation
I lost some weight by adjusting my diet.
Adjusting is the gerund used after the preposition by.
Rule 4: We use the gerund after phrasal verbs.
Example
Explanation
Have you tried to give up smoking?
Smoking is the gerund used after the phrasal verb give up.
Note: Some phrasal verbs end with the word to, such as look forward to or to be used to. It is important to recognize that the word to is the preposition here and must be followed by the gerund. It is not a part of the infinitive form of the verb.
Example
Explanation
I look forward to meeting you soon.
Look forward to is the phrasal verb ending with the preposition to, so it should be followed by the gerund.
Rule 5: We use the gerund in compound nouns.
Example
Explanation
She had her first driving lesson today.
The gerund driving is a part of the compound noun driving lesson. Here, driving has clear meaning of a noun, as driving lesson is the lesson to practise driving, not the lesson that is driving.
Rule 6: We use the gerund after certain expressions, such as to be worth, can't help, can't stand, and it's no use.
Example
Explanation
And I can't help falling in love with you.
Falling is the gerund that follows the expression can't help.
Gerund Phrases and Types
Rule 7: A gerund phrase is a phrase consisting of a gerund and any modifiers or objects associated with it. There are four types of gerunds based on their function:
- the subject,
- direct objects
- indirect objects (object of a preposition)
- complements of the subject or state expressed in the gerund.
Example
Explanation
Finding a needle in a haystack would be easier than what we're trying to do.
In this sentence, a gerund phrase - finding a needle in a haystack - functions as the subject.
Finding (gerund)
a needle (direct object of action expressed in gerund)
in a haystack (prepositional phrase as adverb)
Gerund vs. Infinitive
Rule 8: A gerund is a verb form that ends in -ing and is used as a noun (traveling), while an infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by to (to travel).
Both gerunds and infinitives can function as the subject of a sentence or the object of a verb, but only a gerund can be the object of a preposition.
English
English
I like fishing.
I like to fish.
Correct: We are thinking about walking in the woods.
Incorrect: We are thinking about to walk in the woods.
Quiz
1/4
Choose the correct form of the verb. He is very keen on ___.
0
correct answers.