Grammar 101

Gerunds

Learning Objectives

To understand how Gerunds work.

What do you get for N + V? Recall that:

1) Nouns are names.

2) Verbs are actions. Is it possible to combine the two in a word?

Noun + Verb = ?

Gerunds Yes, you can! That's the beauty of English

Language.

Noun + Verb = Gerunds! Gerunds come from verbs. They end with 'ing' and look like continuous

verbs but are nouns in sentences.

Gerunds end with 'ing' These sentences have Gerunds.

1) “Swimming is fun.”

2) “I admire his speaking skills.”

3) “All I can do is waiting.”

Gerunds look like verbs

Some facts about Gerunds:

1) They look like verbs with the 'ing' participle.

2) Hence, they are also called verbal nouns.

3) They can either be the subject or object in a sentence.

Gerunds as subjects and objects Gerunds as Subjects:

1) Swimming helps me to keep fit.

2) Reading expands one's horizons.

Gerunds as Objects:

1) Peter loves jogging.

2) Dave loves watching movies.

Gerunds ≠ Verbs Verbs have supporting verbs.

She is swimming in a public pool. / He was swimming when the skies turned dark.

Gerunds do not have supporting verbs.

Swimming is fun. / I love swimming.

Gerunds in actionWith a gerund, the meaning is clearer.

1) David accused James of stealing. (gerund)

2) David accused James of theft. (noun)

1) It's no use regretting past actions. (gerund)

2) It's no use to regret past actions. (verb)

Gerunds help readers imagine better as it acts as a Verb AND a Noun!

Learning ActivitySpot the Gerunds in this paragraph:

'Readers of science fiction expect to be exposed to a world different than our own. However, certain physical rules and laws still apply in daily living and working life for a sense of credibility and coherence.'

Learning Activity Answers

Spot the Gerunds in this paragraph:

'Readers of science fiction expect to be exposed to a world different than our own. However, certain physical rules and laws still apply in daily living and working life for a sense of credibility and coherence.'

The Gerunds are 'living' and 'working'.

Discussion

1) What is a Gerund?

2) What are Gerunds used for?

In Summary

1) Gerunds are verbal nouns and they are able to take on roles as subjects or objects in a sentence.

2) As they have the 'ing' suffix – indicating action – they are able communicate the action behind the noun to enliven our sentences.