Gerund
The word gerund looks new to many people even though they use it a lot in their lives. I like swimming. This is a common sentence. This is a simple example of the gerund. If you ask “What is a gerund?”, many people will not answer you. In this article, we will study deeply all about the gerund.
Gerund Definition
A verb form functioning as a noun is called a gerund. How can we use a verb form as a noun? It is very simple. When we add the suffix “ing” to the verb, we can use it as a noun. In this case, the verb does not show an action. It looks like a thing.
- Swimming is prohibited in some areas.
- Will we enjoy there without swimming?
In the above examples, the word “swimming” is the form of the verb, but it does not show an action. It looks like it is the name of a thing. When the ing-form of the verb functions as a noun, we call it a gerund.
Gerund Form
You can make the gerund form just by adding “ing” to the base form of a verb. Go becomes going. Swim becomes swimming. You can add the “ing” in the same way. You had better study the spelling rules for adding “ing” to verbs.
- Go going
- Take taking
- Begin beginning
- Offer offering
- Lie lying
Negative Gerund
You can make a negative gerund by using the word “not” before a gerund.
- They enjoyed not becoming silent.
- Not talking everywhere is his good habit.
Examples of Gerunds
- I like skating.
- Hiking is a part of exercise.
- Lisa teaches them dancing.
- Talking in class disturbs me.
- I scored the highest in reading.
- Eating out has become your habit.
- Translating Arabic into English is very difficult.
- Listening to the music does not make me relaxed.
- Teaching is a good profession, but I don’t like it.
- Being a student, you don’t need to give more time to your friends.
Types of Gerunds
A gerund can be used in different parts of a sentence like a noun. It can serve as a subject, subject complement, direct object, indirect object, object complement, or object of a preposition.
Subject Gerund
- Cooking wastes my time.
- Smoking destroyed his health.
Subject Complement Gerund
- Her favorite exercise is walking.
- His source of income is fishing.
Direct Object Gerund
- They stopped talking at once.
- I enjoy traveling with friends.
Indirect Object Gerund
- Lisa gave cycling a try.
- I said teaching goodbye.
Object Complement Gerund
- I considered the action joking.
- We named the game cycling.
Object of a Preposition Gerund
- I believe in working smart.
- He does not compromise in cheating.
How to Identify a Gerund
How can we identify a gerund in a sentence? The answer is very simple. First, identify any ing-form of the verb in the sentence. Then find out its function. If its function is as a noun, the form of the verb is a gerund.
- She attended a dancing party.
- She has decided to learn dancing.
The word “dancing” in the above examples is the ing-form of the verb. The word “dancing” in these examples functions differently. In the first example, it modifies the noun party. The word “dancing” in the second example is a gerund functioning as a noun. Consequently, the word “dancing” in the second example is a gerund but not in the first example.
Gerund Phrase
A Gerund phrase is a phrase that consists of a gerund and related words functioning as a noun.
- My hobby is reading story books.
- They are interested in eating Chinese food.
- Taking her to the office has become a burden on me.
Present Participle vs. Gerund
The form of the verb that ends in “ing” can be a present participle or gerund. It depends upon its function. If its function is as a verb or an adjective, the ing-form of the verb is called the present participle. If its function is as a noun, the ing-from of the verb is called the gerund.
- She is writing something. (Present participle)
- Her writing style is very impressive. (Present participle)
- I want to learn writing from her. (Gerund)
Verbal Nouns and Gerund
The verbal noun is the “ing” word or ing-form of a verb that functions as a noun but sometimes does not function as a gerund. Verbal nouns can be made plural, but they don’t have the ability to take objects. They cannot be modified by adverbs.
Words like building, killing, and painting are verbal nouns when they describe physical objects or individual events.
- Different beautiful paintings were presented in the corner of the building.
When describing an activity, words like building, killing, and painting are gerunds.
- They enjoy building and painting new structures.
Frequently Asked Questions on Gerund
What is a gerund and examples?
Gerund is a verb form that is derived from a verb by adding the suffix “ing”. A gerund functions as a noun.
- Walking early in the morning is fun.
- I do not like traveling when it rains.
- Why don’t they avoid playing cricket?
What is the difference between present participle and gerund?
The main difference is their functions. Present participle functions as a noun or an adjective while a gerund functions as a noun.
- The government banned hiking these days. (Gerund)
- I have to buy a magnifying glass. (Present participle)
Do all gerunds end in ing?
Yes, all gerunds end in ing. Gerund is derived from a verb by adding “ing” to its base form. Consequently, every gerund ends in ing.
- I don’t like counting others' money.
- Collecting stamps has been her hobby since childhood.
