LoginGerunds
Dive deep into gerunds with detailed explanations. Examples include 'running' and 'singing', plus a quiz to test your knowledge.
What Are Gerunds?
A gerund is a type of present participle that functions as a noun in a sentence. A gerund is created by adding the suffix '-ing' to the base form of a verb.
Gerunds: Form
To create a gerund, simply add '-ing' to the base form of the main verb. For example:
sleep → sleeping
work → working
Spelling Rules
Sometimes the spelling of the verb changes when adding '-ing' to form gerunds. The spelling rules that are to be observed when forming gerunds are discussed below.
If the verb ends in consonant + stressed vowel + consonant, double the final letter before adding '-ing'.
Stop → Stopping
Run → Running
If the verb ends in consonant + unstressed vowel + consonant, do not double the final letter.
open → opening
If the verb ends in 'ie,' change it to 'y' before adding '-ing'.
Lie → Lying
Die → Dying
If the verb ends in vowel + consonant + 'e', omit 'e' before adding '-ing'.
Come → Coming
Mistake → Mistaking
Gerunds: Functions
Gerunds can serve several functions in sentences. They can be used as:
1. Gerunds as Subjects
Gerunds can serve as the subject of the verb. Look at these examples:
Smoking is bad for your health.
Meditating calms your nerves.
2. Gerunds as Objects
Gerunds can also serve as the objects of the verb. Look at the examples:
I love cooking.
I hate smoking.
3. Gerunds as Objects of Prepositions
When the gerund appears after a preposition, it serves as the object of preposition. For example:
We talked about painting.
He apologized for speaking out of turn.
4. Gerunds as Subject Complements
Gerunds can be used as the subject complement of the linking verb 'be to describe or present more information about the subject.' For example:
The best thing about my trip to Japan was eating.
A good way to lose weight is exercising.
5. Gerunds as Object Complements
An object complement completes the meaning of the direct object. When a gerund serves this role, it typically renames or refines the object's action or state. Look at the examples below:
I found him hiding in the closet.
She caught them cheating on the test.
Gerunds vs. Present Participles
Both gerunds and present participles are created from a verb, and both end in –ing. However, they have different functions:
Gerunds always function as nouns.
Present participles function as adjectives and adverbs as well as nouns. They also form part of the continuous tenses.
Baking is one of my favorite pastimes! → gerund
I added some baking powder to the batter. → present participle
Gerunds vs. Verbal Nouns
Gerunds and verbal nouns have similar forms, and both act as nouns. Their difference lies in the fact that verbal nouns have acquired an independent meaning and act as pure nouns, while the meaning of gerunds is still connected to the verb from which they are derived. Unlike gerunds, verbal nouns can be made plural and be modified by articles:
I'm very good at painting.
In this sentence, "painting" is a gerund. Its meaning is connected to the verb and it cannot be made plural.
Look at those beautiful paintings!
"Painting" is a plural verbal noun here, with an independent meaning of its verb.
Teaching is his dream job.
Her teachings influenced many students.
Review
A gerund is a nominal structure made by adding -ing a verb and functions as:
the subject of a verb
the object of a verb
the object of a preposition
a subject complement
Quiz:
Which verb does not follow the same spelling rule as "stop → stopping"?
win
spin
grin
listen
Fill the blanks with the correct form of the verbs in parentheses.
He regretted
(come) to the party.
The witness admitted
(lie) under oath.
She prefers
(travel) by train.
(run) in the morning makes him feel fresh.
Match each sentence with the correct function of the gerund.
Choose true or False for each statement.
A gerund is a verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun. | |
Gerunds can be pluralized. | |
The gerund form of "begin" is "begining." | |
"The burning candle" contains a gerund. |
Which sentence does not include a gerund?
Swimming is excellent exercise.
She admired the beautiful paintings in the gallery.
He enjoys baking on weekends.
Reading every day improves vocabulary.
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