Gerunds: What they are and what they do in English

What are gerunds?

We derive the word “gerund” from the word “gerundium” which means to be carried out. A gerund is a verb form that functions as a noun in a sentence. It’s created by taking the base form of a verb and adding the suffix “-ing.” For example, “run” becomes “running,” “sing” becomes “singing,” and “write” becomes “writing.”

Example: Chasing squirrels keeps my dog in shape. (“Chasing” is the action that keeps the dog fit).

While gerunds look like present participles (which are also verbs ending in “-ing”), they serve a different purpose: gerunds act as nouns, whereas participles typically act as adjectives or parts of verb tenses.

What do gerunds do?

Gerunds allow actions (verbs) to be treated as things or concepts (nouns). This makes them incredibly versatile. They can perform any role a noun can in a sentence, such as:

1. Subject: The “doer” of the sentence.
   • Example: Swimming is great exercise.
   • Here, “swimming” is the subject of the verb “is.”
2. Direct object: The receiver of the action.
   • Example: I enjoy reading books.
   • “Reading” is the object of the verb “enjoy.”
3. Subject complement: Renames or describes the subject.
   • Example: Her favorite hobby is painting.
   • “Painting” complements “hobby” after the linking verb “is.”
4. Object of a preposition: Follows a preposition like “for,” “in,” or “after.”
   • Example: He’s tired of waiting.
   • “Waiting” is the object of the preposition “of.”
5. Appositive: Renames or explains another noun.
   • Example: Her talent, dancing, amazes everyone.
   • “Dancing” renames “talent.”

Rules for using gerunds

Gerunds follow specific grammatical rules to ensure clarity and correctness:

1. Formation: Always add “-ing” to the verb.
   • Walk → Walking
   • Eat → Eating
   • Be → Being
   • Exceptions: Spelling adjustments may apply (e.g., “run” → “running” doubles the “n,” “write” → “writing” drops the “e”).
2. After certain verbs: Some verbs require a gerund (not an infinitive) as their object. Common examples include “enjoy,” “avoid,” “admit,” “consider,” and “suggest.”
   • Correct: She enjoys swimming.
   • Incorrect: She enjoys to swim.
3. After prepositions: When a verb follows a preposition, it must be a gerund.
   • Correct: He’s good at solving problems.
   • Incorrect: He’s good at solve problems.
4. Possessive pronouns/adjectives before gerunds: When a gerund is the object of a verb or preposition, the subject performing the action is often shown with a possessive form.
   • Correct: I appreciate your helping me.
   • Less formal but common: I appreciate you helping me.
5. Gerund phrases: Gerunds can take objects or modifiers, forming a gerund phrase that still acts as a noun.
   • Example: Reading mystery novels relaxes me.
   • “Reading mystery novels” is the subject, with “mystery novels” as the object of “reading.”
6. Distinguishing from participles: Context determines whether an “-ing” word is a gerund (noun) or participle (adjective/verb part).
   • Gerund: Running is my favorite sport. (Noun)
   • Participle: The running water overflowed. (Adjective modifying “water”)
7. No infinitive substitution in some cases: Unlike infinitives (“to” + verb), gerunds are required in specific constructions.
   • Correct: He avoids making mistakes.
   • Incorrect: He avoids to make mistakes.

Additional notes

• Negation: Gerunds can be negated with “not.” Example: Not knowing the answer frustrated her.
• Tense and voice: Gerunds can reflect perfect tense or passive voice with additional words:
  • Perfect Gerund: Having finished the task felt great.
  • Passive Gerund: She dislikes being ignored.

Summary

Gerunds bridge verbs and nouns, letting actions function as subjects, objects, or complements. The key rules are to use “-ing,” follow verb/preposition patterns, and ensure proper possession when needed. They’re a flexible tool in English, and once you spot them, you’ll see them everywhere!

Further study:

• Infinitives
• Gerunds vs. Infinitives

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