Gerunds (-ing Forms) in English

Gerunds (-ing Forms) in English

Gerunds are verb forms that end in -ing and function as nouns in a sentence. They are essential in English because they allow verbs to act as subjects, objects, and complements. Understanding gerunds helps improve fluency and sentence structure.

What Is a Gerund?

A gerund is the -ing form of a verb that functions as a noun. It can be used in different sentence positions, such as the subject, object, or complement of a verb.

Examples of Gerunds

• Swimming is my favorite hobby. (Gerund as the subject)

• I enjoy reading before bed. (Gerund as the object)

• His biggest fear is failing the exam. (Gerund as the complement)

Rules for Using Gerunds

1. Gerunds as Subjects

When a gerund is used as the subject of a sentence, it acts like a noun.

• Example: Running every morning keeps me healthy.

2. Gerunds as Objects

Gerunds can function as objects of a verb.

• Example: She enjoys painting.

3. Gerunds After Prepositions

A gerund must be used after a preposition.

• Example: He is interested in learning French.

4. Gerunds After Certain Verbs

Some verbs are always followed by gerunds and not infinitives. These include: enjoy, avoid, consider, finish, suggest, mind, dislike, practice.

• Example: I avoid driving at night. (Not: I avoid to drive.)

5. Gerunds in Fixed Expressions

Certain expressions always take gerunds.

• Example: It's no use crying over spilled milk.

Common Mistakes:

❌ Mistake 1: Using an Infinitive Instead of a Gerund
Incorrect: I enjoy to read at night.
Correct: I enjoy reading at night.
Explanation: The verb "enjoy" is always followed by a gerund, not an infinitive.

❌ Mistake 2: Using a Gerund After "To" in an Infinitive Phrase
Incorrect: I want to going home.
Correct: I want to go home.
Explanation: "To" before a verb usually signals an infinitive, not a gerund.

❌ Mistake 3: Forgetting That Gerunds Act as Nouns
Incorrect: He suggested to take a break.
Correct: He suggested taking a break.
Explanation: "Suggest" is a verb that requires a gerund, not an infinitive.

❌ Mistake 4: Using a Gerund Instead of an Infinitive in Certain Expressions
Incorrect: She promised going to the party.
Correct: She promised to go to the party.
Explanation: The verb "promise" is followed by an infinitive, not a gerund.

4 Exercises on Gerunds

✔ Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct gerund form of the verb in parentheses.

1. ______ (swim) in the ocean is fun.

2. I dislike ______ (wake) up early.

3. He suggested ______ (meet) at 5 PM.

4. She is interested in ______ (travel) to Spain.

✔ Exercise 2: Choose the correct form (Gerund or Infinitive).

1. I enjoy (to dance / dancing) at parties.

2. He promised (helping / to help) me with my homework.

3. She avoids (to eat / eating) junk food.

4. They decided (going / to go) on vacation.

✔ Exercise 3: Correct the mistakes in these sentences.

1. She suggested to watch a movie. → Correct it: __________

2. He is excited to learn new skills. → Correct it: __________

3. I want learning Spanish. → Correct it: __________

4. They finished to cook dinner. → Correct it: __________

✔ Exercise 4: Write sentences using gerunds in different functions.

1. Write a sentence with a gerund as the subject.

2. Write a sentence with a gerund after a preposition.

3. Write a sentence with a gerund after a verb that requires one.

4. Write a sentence with a gerund in a fixed expression.