Gerunds: What they are and what they do in English

Words in English often wear many hats, and few demonstrate this versatility as elegantly as gerunds. Derived from the Latin “gerundium,” meaning “to be carried out,” a gerund transforms a verb into a noun by adding the simple suffix “-ing.” What begins as an action—like running, singing, or writing—becomes a concept or thing that can play a starring role in a sentence. This linguistic shapeshifter may resemble other “-ing” forms, such as participles, but its unique ability to function as a noun sets it apart. In this exploration, we’ll unravel what gerunds are, how they operate, and the rules that guide their use, revealing their indispensable place in the English language.

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 are a remarkable bridge between the dynamic world of verbs and the steady realm of nouns, offering a way to package actions into ideas we can talk about, enjoy, or even avoid. By mastering their formation with “-ing,” recognizing their roles after specific verbs and prepositions, and understanding their distinction from participles, anyone can harness their flexibility. From serving as subjects to complementing objects, gerunds prove that even the simplest tweak to a word can unlock a wealth of expressive power. As you encounter them in everyday language, gerunds will no longer just be grammar—they’ll be a key to clearer, richer communication.

Further study:

• Infinitives
• Gerunds vs. Infinitives