What is a Gerund?
A gerund is a verb form that functions as a noun in a sentence. It is created by adding the suffix “-ing” to the base form of a verb. Gerunds can act as subjects, objects, or complements in a sentence
Definition of Gerund:
A gerund is a verb form that ends in “-ing” and functions as a noun. It is derived from a verb but acts as a noun, taking on roles such as subjects, objects, or complements in a sentence.
Here are some examples of gerunds:
- Running
- Singing
- Dancing
- Eating
- Sleeping
- Learning
- Teaching
- Writing
- Reading
Rules of Gerund:
- Formation: Gerunds are formed by adding “-ing” to the base form of a verb. For example: “running,” “swimming,” “reading,” etc.
- Verb-Noun Hybrid: Gerunds possess qualities of both verbs and nouns. They retain some verb properties, such as being able to take objects or adverbs, while also acting as nouns.
- Functioning as a Noun: Gerunds can function as subjects, objects, or complements in a sentence, just like regular nouns. They can be the subject of a sentence, the object of a verb or preposition, or the complement of a verb.
Usage of Gerund:
- Subject: Gerunds can act as the subject of a sentence. For example: “Running is my favorite exercise.”
- Object: Gerunds can function as direct objects, indirect objects, or objects of prepositions. For example:
- Direct object: “I enjoy swimming.”
- Indirect object: “She gave me her painting.”
- Object of preposition: “They talked about cooking.”
- Complement: Gerunds can also act as a complement of a verb. For example: “Her hobby is painting.”
How to Use Gerunds with Examples
Subject: The gerund itself can be the subject of a sentence.
Example:
- Reading is my favorite way to relax.
- Traveling to new places broadens your perspective.
Direct Object: Gerunds can follow action verbs as the direct object.
Example:
- I enjoy playing the guitar.
- We discussed redecorating the living room.
Indirect Object: Gerunds can follow certain verbs and prepositional phrases to act as the indirect object.
Example:
- She apologized for waking me up early.
- The teacher gave instructions for completing the assignment.
Object of Preposition: Gerunds can follow prepositions.
Example:
- There’s no point in arguing about it.
- He felt a sense of accomplishment after finishing the race.
Predicate Noun: Gerunds can follow linking verbs like “be” to explain or rename the subject.
Example:
- Her passion is teaching.
- My goal in life is helping others.
Verbs Followed by Gerunds List
Here’s a list of verbs commonly followed by gerunds, along with examples to illustrate their usage:
General Verbs:
Admit: He admitted cheating on the test.
Advise: The doctor advised drinking plenty of water.
Appreciate: I appreciate you helping me.
Avoid: She avoids going to the dentist.
Consider: We are considering moving to a new city.
Deny: He denied taking the money.
Enjoy: They enjoy spending time with family.
Finish: I finished painting the room.
Imagine: She imagines living on a beach.
Involve: This job involves traveling frequently.
Keep: She kept interrupting me.
Like: I like reading mysteries.
Love: He loves playing the guitar.
Mean: Moving to a new city would mean starting over.
Need: We need to leave early.
Practice: She practices playing the piano every day.
Quit: He quit smoking after many years.
Recommend: I recommend seeing this movie.
Regret: He regrets saying that.
Remember: I remember meeting you at a party.
Report: The news reported seeing a UFO.
Risk: He risked getting caught.
Start: They started laughing.
Stop: She stopped working at 5 pm.
Suggest: I suggest staying home tonight.
Try: We tried calling him, but he didn’t answer.
Understand: I understand needing some time alone.
Want: I want to travel the world.
Verbs Expressing Feelings:
Can’t bear: She can’t bear having so much responsibility.
Can’t help: I can’t help laughing at your jokes.
Can’t stand: He can’t stand people arguing.
Dread: I dread going to the dentist.
Feel like: I feel like taking a nap.
Hate: They hate waiting in line.
Miss: She misses spending time with her friends.
Prefer: I prefer reading a book to watching TV.
Examples Sentences of Gerund:
- Swimming helps me relax.
- I enjoy playing the guitar.
- He loves hiking in the mountains.
- She suggested going to the movies.
- The best part of traveling is experiencing new cultures.
- Swimming is my favorite hobby.
- Running every day improves my stamina.
- Singing in the shower is a great way to start the day.
- Dancing is a fun way to exercise.
- Cooking is a passion of mine.
- Hiking in the mountains is a thrilling experience.
- Writing in a journal helps me relieve stress.
- Reading books is a great way to expand your knowledge.
- Playing video games is a fun way to pass the time.
- Drawing helps me express my creativity.
- Painting landscapes is a hobby of mine.
- Sewing my own clothes is a rewarding activity.
- Playing the guitar is a skill I have developed over time.
- Listening to music is a great way to relax.
- Watching movies is a favorite pastime of mine.
- Learning new languages is a challenge I enjoy.
- Traveling to new places is a way to broaden your horizons.
- Playing basketball is a fun way to stay active.
- Practicing yoga helps me stay centered.
- Baking cookies is a fun activity to do with kids.
- Volunteering at a homeless shelter is a way to give back to the community.
- Gardening is a therapeutic activity.
- Fishing is a relaxing way to spend the day.
- Collecting stamps is a hobby of mine.
- Taking photographs is a way to capture memories.
- Teaching others is a way to share knowledge.
- Playing chess is a mentally stimulating activity.
- Watching birds is a hobby of mine.
- Playing soccer is a fun way to stay active.
- Solving puzzles is a way to exercise your brain.
- Driving fast cars is an adrenaline rush.
- Learning to cook new dishes is a way to expand your culinary skills.
- Singing karaoke is a fun activity to do with friends.
- Knitting blankets is a way to give handmade gifts.
- Skiing down a mountain is an exhilarating experience.
- Decorating your home is a way to express your style.
- Fishing in a lake is a peaceful way to spend the day.
Gerunds are verb forms ending in “-ing” that function as nouns in a sentence. They can act as subjects, objects, or complements and are derived from verbs but take on noun-like roles. Understanding gerunds and their usage can help you construct more varied and expressive sentences.
Download Word Coach Application
