In this lesson on Gerunds, we learn the definition of a gerund, how it differs from a present participle, and its various functions in a sentence. We explore common verbs followed by gerunds, gerunds used after prepositions and certain expressions, as well as the differences between gerunds and infinitives. The passive form of a gerund and the use of possessives with gerunds are also covered. Additionally, we highlight common mistakes to avoid and provide practice exercises to reinforce understanding.
A gerund is a verb form that ends in -ing and functions as a noun in a sentence. While it is derived from a verb, it does not express action but rather serves as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence.
Cambridge Dictionary: A gerund is the -ing form of a verb that functions as a noun. For example, in the sentence 'Reading is fun', 'reading' is a gerund.
Oxford Dictionary: A gerund is a verbal noun, typically formed by adding -ing to the base verb (e.g., swimming, talking, eating), and it can take a direct object or be modified by an adjective.
Examples of Gerunds:
Gerunds and Present participles both come from verbs and end in -ing, but they serve different functions in a sentence. Here's a breakdown of their differences:
Examples:
Examples:
Function:
Examples of Gerunds:
Examples of Present Participles:
A gerund is the -ing form of a verb that functions as a noun in a sentence. Gerunds can serve various roles, similar to how nouns function, such as the subject, object, or complement of a sentence. Here are the main functions of a gerund:
Subject of the sentence:
Object of a verb:
Object of a preposition:
Subject complement (predicate nominative):
Object complement:
Appositive (a noun that renames another noun):
These functions highlight how gerunds are versatile, acting as nouns in various roles within a sentence.
Certain verbs are commonly followed by gerunds (the "-ing" form of a verb) rather than infinitives. Here’s a list of some common verbs that are typically followed by gerunds:
These verbs require a gerund because the action of the verb is seen as an activity or process, not a simple event or action.
Gerunds (the -ing form of a verb) are often used after prepositions. When a verb follows a preposition, it must be in its gerund form, not the infinitive form.
Here are some key points to remember:
1. Prepositions + Gerund: After prepositions, always use the gerund form.
Examples:
2. Common Prepositions Followed by Gerunds: about, for, in, on, at, to, by, with, of, after, before
Examples:
3. Not all verbs are followed by prepositions: Some verbs are directly followed by gerunds without a preposition.
Examples:
Some expressions are followed by gerunds (the -ing form of verbs). These expressions typically involve prepositions, adjectives, and certain verbs. Here's a breakdown of common expressions that are followed by gerunds:
1. Verbs followed by gerunds: Some verbs are always followed by a gerund. Here are a few examples:
2. Prepositions followed by gerunds: When a verb is followed by a preposition, the preposition is often followed by a gerund.
3. Adjectives followed by gerunds: Certain adjectives are followed by gerunds.
4. Expressions followed by gerunds: Some expressions require gerunds after them.
Examples:
Both gerunds and infinitives are verb forms that can function as nouns, but they have different uses. Here’s a breakdown of the differences:
A gerund is the -ing form of a verb that functions as a noun. It is used to talk about general actions or activities, often as the subject or object of a sentence.
Examples:
An infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by "to." It is often used to express purpose, intention, or the future. It can also function as the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.
Examples:
Gerund:
Infinitive:
Certain verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, but the meaning may change:
Stop:
Remember:
The passive form of a gerund is formed by using the verb "being" followed by the past participle of the main verb. Here's the structure:
Passive Form of a Gerund: (subject) + being + past participle
Examples:
Another Example:
Possessive forms with gerunds are used to indicate ownership or association with the action of the gerund (the "-ing" form of a verb). The possessive form is often used before a gerund to show that someone or something owns or is connected to the activity.
Structure: Possessive noun + Gerund
You do not need to use a possessive before a gerund if the action is not directly connected to the noun in a possessive way.
Example without possessive:
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using gerunds:
1. Using a gerund after a verb that should take an infinitive:
Some verbs (like enjoy, avoid, and finish) are followed by gerunds, not infinitives.
2. Using a gerund instead of an infinitive after certain verbs:
Verbs like decide, want, hope, promise, and plan are usually followed by infinitives.
3. Omitting a noun or object after a gerund:
When a gerund is used, it usually functions as a noun and needs context, such as an object.
4. Using a gerund after prepositions where a noun is expected:
Prepositions are followed by gerunds, but make sure the preposition is correctly used.
5. Confusing the meaning of a gerund and an infinitive:
The gerund "smoking" refers to the action itself, while the infinitive "to smoke" refers to the purpose of stopping. Be careful with the intended meaning.
6. Using a gerund after a possessive pronoun or noun incorrectly:
The gerund form of a verb is often used after object pronouns, but you don't typically use possessive pronouns before gerunds in this context.
Here are some practice exercises focusing on gerunds:
Exercise 1: Select the correct sentence with the gerund form.
Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks with the correct gerund form of the verb in parentheses.
Exercise 3: Find and correct the errors in the following sentences related to gerunds.
Exercise 4: Rewrite the following sentences by turning the verb into a gerund.