GERUNDS
A gerund is a word that looks like a verb but acts like a noun. Gerunds are made by adding “-ing” to a verb, such as “swimming” or “reading.” Even though they come from verbs, they function as nouns, allowing them to be used as subjects, objects, or complements in a sentence.
Why Do We Use Them?
We use gerunds to talk about activities or actions in a general way. Since gerunds act like nouns, they help us mention activities as if they are "things." This makes it easy to describe hobbies, routines, and preferences.
When to Use Them?
Use gerunds when you want to describe an activity as a general noun, show likes, dislikes, or preferences or if we want the word to act as the subject of a sentence.
EXAMPLE SENTENCES
Swimming is an excellent way to stay fit.
She enjoys painting landscapes on the weekends.
They avoided talking about the difficult topic.
Learning new languages can be challenging but rewarding.
He’s interested in reading science fiction novels.
I love cooking dinner for my friends and family.
Jogging every morning has improved her health.
She prefers writing with a pen rather than typing.
Traveling to new places brings her joy.
They finished decorating the house for the holiday.
BE VERBS BEFORE OR AFTER?
IT’S A VERB
If the be verb comes before the -ing word: It’s part of a continuous tense, and the -ing word is a verb showing ongoing action.
Example: She is reading a book. (is comes before reading, so reading is a verb here.)
IT’S A GERUND
If the be verb comes after the -ing word: The -ing word is a gerund, acting like a noun that names an activity or thing.
Example: Reading is her favorite hobby. (Here, reading is a gerund, and is links it to the rest of the sentence.)
VERB + ING = GERUND
To make a gerund, you start with a verb and add -ing to it. This turns the verb into a noun. Here’s some examples:
swim + ing --> swimming
read + ing --> reading
eat + ing --> eating
walk + ing --> walking
run + ing --> running
play + ing --> playing
think + ing --> thinking
drink + ing --> drinking
sleep + ing --> sleeping
ADDING -ING AND -TION
MAKES A NOUN?
Gerunds are formed using only -ING
True, -TION) + verb = noun (inform + tion = information)
But - it’s NOT a gerund. Gerunds only come from adding - ING to the base verb.
ONLY VERBS + ING MAKES GERUNDS?
Yes! Only verbs can become gerunds by adding ING. Gerunds always come from verbs.
HOW TO IDENTIFY GERUNDS?
Subjects, objects and complements are all nouns. Gerunds act like nouns in a sentence. So:
Gerunds can be subjects. Example: Swimming is fun.
Swimming is the main activity being talked about, so it’s the subject of the sentence.
Gerunds can be objects. Example: She enjoys swimming. (Here, swimming is the object of enjoys.)
When a gerund follows certain verbs, it acts as an object, showing what the action is directed towards.
Gerunds can be complements. Example: Her favorite activity is swimming. (Here, swimming is a complement that renames or describes activity.)
A gerund can follow a be verb (like is) and describe or rename the subject. This is called a complement because it completes the idea about the subject.
Remember:
If the -ing word names an activity or acts like a noun (subject or complement), it’s a gerund, even if it follows a be verb.
If the -ing word shows an ongoing action (like in continuous tense), then it’s functioning as a verb.
HOW TO IDENTIFY
VERBS ENDING IN (ING)
Verbs ending in -ing are part of the verb tense: They show ongoing action. Example:
They are cooking dinner together.
Are cooking shows an action that is happening right now.
He was studying all night for his exam.
Was studying indicates an ongoing action that took place in the past.
We will be traveling next week.
Will be traveling shows an action that will be ongoing in the future.
Remember:
If the -ing word names an activity or acts like a noun (subject or complement), it’s a gerund, even if it follows a be verb.
If the -ing word shows an ongoing action (like in continuous tense), then it’s functioning as a verb.
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