It’s appropriate to use a gerund if the action verb is the subject of the sentence. Another example: John there's a good show going on the TV on career making. What Are Collective Nouns And How Do You Use Them? First thing to remember, every sentence has two main parts: a subject and a predicate. Memorizing the most common verbs that take a gerund, such as advise, avoid, enjoy, finish, practice, quit, and suggest, is helpful. This can be tricky, as … … as the subject of a sentence. A gerund in English is an ING (progressive) form of a verb that works as a noun. Understanding Compound And Collective Nouns. Being in the woods. The gerund in compound nouns. A gerund is a verb form that ends in -ing and functions as a noun or object in a sentence or phrase. The gerund looks exactly the same as a present participle, but it is useful to understand the difference between the two. Though a gerund may look like a verb, it doesn’t behave like one in a sentence. Let’s look at some examples. The hardest part of rehearsing for the musical was. You do this by changing the infinitive form of the verb, and adding “ing” at the end. Application and Usage of Gerunds and Infinitives. As demonstrated in the example above, gerunds are often used as the subject of a sentence to talk about activities, behaviors, or opinions. For example, “eat” is changed to “eating”, or “write” is changed to “writing”. To understand gerunds, (pronounced JER-undz, by the way) it helps to understand the difference between a word’s grammatical form and its grammatical function in a sentence. © EF Education First Ltd 2021. Language does not work that way, enabling the use of any category of word at all times. Can anyone please explain how I should use gerunds In those sentences? Together, the words form a gerund phrase (being in the woods) that acts as the subject of the sentence. Define when it is better to use a gerund, and when an infinitive with “to” will do. Running. However, when we use the gerund “being” plus an adjective, a preposition, or a noun, we are talking about that experience or condition. The gerund can be used …. She enjoys. Take a look at the following examples: 1. Subhajit, you say "how I should use gerunds." Eating meat contributes to global warming. A gerund or an infinitive can be used after a main verb. Get spelling help, synonyms suggestions, grammar check and more! with the demonstrative pronoun ‘ that ’. (The gerund “laughing” is the noun object of the preposition “by.”) A gerund phrase is a gerund plus another element such as an adverb, an adjective, or a noun. He is busy read ing the paper. The subjectis always a noun, a pronoun, or a group of words acting as a noun. Each prepositional phrase begins with a preposition. Linking verbs are forms of the verb to be, such as am, is, are, was, and were. Here is an example sentence from Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games: Here, the prepositional phrase in the woods describes the gerund being. Is, the verb that follows, is in the third-person singular form. Common prepositions used with gerunds include of, about, to, before, and after. Only infinitives are used after certain verbs followed by nouns or pronouns referring to a person. In compound nouns using the gerund, it is clear that the meaning is that of a noun, not of a continuous verb. This is also true of certain expressions ending in a preposition, for example the expressions in spite of & there's no point in. Correct: I am thinking of writing my autobiography. What Are Gerunds? Note that this rule is not strictly observed especially in the case of proper nouns. Examples. Usage of Gerunds. Incorrect: I am thinking to write my autobiography. Though a gerund may look like a verb, it doesn’t behave like one in a sentence. Incorrect: The clever girl was confident to win the first medal. Here’s an example of a gerund used as a subject complement: Here, eliminating is a gerund that acts as the complement of the subject goal. What exactly does that mean? Gerund after special phrases. Like all things grammar, gerunds do take a tiny bit of detective work to spot. A gerund is a verbal that ends in -ing and functions as a noun. I am giving Sally a driving lesson. It can be used as a subject, subject complement, direct object, indirect object, and object of a preposition. Example: Saving money […] Here, running is a gerund that as the object of the verb enjoys. All the compound words, formed by joining a gerund with a noun, are used as nouns. Although both the present participle and the gerund are formed by adding -ing to a verb, the participle does the job of an adjective while the gerund does the job of a noun. What does she do? Gerunds are tough -- really tough. What is a gerund? Hence, it is what the whole sentence is about. This video explains about Gerunds.What they exactly are? A gerund is a verb form that ends in -ing and functions as a noun or object in a sentence or phrase. A gerund can take on a variety of parts in a sentence: it can act as the subject of a sentence, as the object of a preposition, or as the object of a verb. What Are Abstract Nouns And How Do You Use Them? Going forward in the post, I will explain to you everything about gerunds in English. The gerund always has the same function as a noun (although it looks like a verb). A gerund is a verb ending in –ing that is used as a noun, either as a subject, object or complement. Brushing your teeth every day saves a trip to the dentist. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Phrasal Verbs. Gerund as the Subject. My teacher advised studying for the quiz. Let’s take a look at some gerunds in action: “I enjoy writing – it’s my favourite hobby.”. The term verbal indicates that a gerund, like the other two kinds of verbals, is based on a verb and therefore expresses action or a state of being. A gerund is a verb form ending in -ing that functions in a sentence as a noun. Gerunds can also function as subject complements. What is rejuvenating? The gerund phrase in this sentence is running daily. If you can put the pronoun "it" after the word "to" and form a meaningful sentence, then the word "to" is a preposition and must be followed by a gerund. Prepositional phrases are the kinds of things you use all the time without thinking about them. They can be hard to master, and new English speakers often wonder why they have to use one in a given situation. The gerund is necessary after the expressions can't help, can't stand, to be worth, & it's no use. Being is a gerund that functions as the object of the preposition about. Take the word dancing . A gerund might look like a fancy word to you if you are reading about it for the first time, but we use gerunds all the time. A separate page deals with verbs that are followed by the gerund. In the above case, the experience or condition of being shy makes life difficult. What Are Uncountable Nouns And How Do You Use Them? WHAT is a gerund? This definition may seem straightforward to those of us who are native English speakers with an understanding of grammar. Gerunds should be used with possessive pronouns (my, your, her), and not object pronouns (me, him etc). A gerund is the present participle (-ing) form of a verb functioning as a noun in a sentence. Watch It before Its ending. They’re very easy to spot, since every gerund is a verb with ing tacked to its tail. A gerund can also act as the object of a verb. In this article, we discuss whether to use an infinitive or a gerund in a sentence. Gerunds: The Basics. Exercising is a gerund that functions as the subject of the sentence. They’re groups of words that give additional information in a sentence, such as where something is, where it is going, or when it occurred. A subject complement is a noun that follows a linking verb. Try One Of These Snappy Synonyms For “Fast,” Pronto! Being off work on Friday is the full gerund phrase. https://www.aresearchguide.com/gerunds-participles-and-usage.html I know I can say: John there's a good show going on the TV on career making. Thanks in advance. Example: He responded by laughing. Slight difference in tone. Gerunds are used with phrasal verbs that end in prepositions. The point is that sometimes you don't need to use a gerund, or any kind of word in particular, if you want to sound natural. Writingby the Egyptians was often recorded on papyrus. All rights reserved. You would also face problem while choosing between a gerund and an infinitive. with the definite article ‘ the ’. We hope after this review, you’ll say: identifying gerunds is easy! Gerunds used to express auxiliary actions Another important use of the gerund is to state an action that is secondary to a main action. The Most Advanced Use of Gerund And Infinitive Some common verbs followed by an infinitive: Following a preposition (gerund only) Following an indirect object (infinitive only) Step 1, Make a gerund the subject of a sentence. It’s not as clear to everyone else. Sign up now! The gerund must be used when a verb comes after a preposition. It is basically a name of an action. A gerund can take on a variety of parts in a sentence: it can act as the subject of a sentence, as the object of a preposition, or as the object of a verb. Since both infinitives and gerunds can replace nouns in sentences, they are sometimes interchangeable, but not always. It depends on the verb, and there isn’t an easy rule for this case. I don't mind tell … Compare the verbals in these two sentences: For example, with the word "swimming pool" it is a pool for swimming in, it is not a pool that is swimming. Gerunds are always singular, and when they’re used as the subject of a sentence, the verb that follows always takes the third-person singular form. Gerunds are the elusive shapeshifters of the English language. Secondary means that it happens prior to or right after the main action. Phrasal verbs are verb … Some uses of the gerund are covered on this page. to be busy. There are no exceptions to this rule. For example:[1] X Research source Flying makes me nervous. Phrasal verbs are composed of a verb + preposition or adverb. It is not part of the infinitive form of the verb. You can check whether "to" is a preposition or part of the infinitive. 2. Write smarter with our thesaurus-powered Grammar Coach™! Watch It before It ends. Prepositions are words like about, across, after, for, and in. What does it mean to say: “ Being shy makes life difficult” or “I hate being shy ”? Dancing is the present participle of the verb to dance . So there you go. They are created out of verbs, but function as nouns. “ The building over there is 200 years old.”. A gerund can be paired with a prepositional phrase. admit, appreciate, can’t stand / help / bear, deny, avoid, mind, understand, consider, finish, imagine and resent. Basically, gerunds can function as the subject of a sentence, too. Which Is Correct: Veterans Day Or Veteran’s Day? ” If you have a complement verb that you’re pairing with the verb “to be,” then you’ll need to use the gerund … Smoking causes cancer.Step 2, Use a gerund as the complement of the verb “to be. With the first glance, you won’t see any difference and you might also find it difficult to identify the difference between the two. and why they are needed? Get grammar tips, writing tricks, and more from Thesaurus.com ... right in your inbox! For example: “Do you mind my borrowing these supplies?” At a quick glance, borrowing could easily be labeled as a verb. There are some phrasal verbs that include the word "to" as a preposition for example to look forward to, to take to, to be accustomed to, to get around to, & to be used to. A gerund is an instance when a verb is being used in a very particular way – as a noun! What Are Countable Nouns And How Do You Use Them? “We … Smoking can cause lung cancer. What Are Compound Nouns And How Do You Use Them? “ That handwriting is impossible to read.”. Gerunds are words that are formed with verbs but act as nouns. In this lesson, I'll help you to understand this confusing part of English grammar! Gerunds can be used as different parts of a sentence. But when I try to use gerunds, the problem arises. Gerund is defined as a verbal form that functions as a verbal noun. It is important to recognise that the word "to" is a preposition in these cases because it must be followed by a gerund. In compound nouns using the gerund, it is clear that the meaning is that of a noun, not of a continuous verb. As the subject of a sentence, an infinitive sounds more formal and literary than a gerund. Learning has no age-limits. Is this the case, it usually comes before the verb: “ Being on time is always a good start.”. “Between You And Me” vs. “Between You And I”, How To Write The Best Thank-You Card Your Teacher Deserves. Understanding Countable And Uncountable Nouns. For example, with the word "swimming pool" it is a pool for swimming in, it is not a pool that is swimming. What does she enjoy? The word gerund originated from the Latin word gerundium, from gerundus which means to be carried out, with a future passive participle form of gerundive of gerō which translates to carry, bear. don't mind. In action: “ I enjoy writing – it ’ s not clear... Grammar, gerunds Do take a tiny bit of detective work to spot infinitives are with... Running daily X Research source Flying makes me nervous am, is, the verb it! An understanding of grammar a gerund is a verb being shy makes life difficult ” or “ I enjoy –. Being on time is always a noun a look at the end a separate page deals verbs., every sentence has two main parts: a subject, subject complement, direct object, indirect object and... Form of the infinitive form of a verb + preposition or part of English grammar s not as to... Between you and me ” vs. “ between you and me ” vs. “ between you and I,. Strictly observed especially in the post, I will explain to you everything about in! Sentence as a noun, not of a continuous verb are Abstract nouns and How Do you use Them as. The kinds of things you use Them the complement of the gerund '' is verb. Purposes and should be left unchanged things grammar, gerunds Do take a at! Confusing part of rehearsing for the musical was ] X Research source Flying makes nervous... Following examples: 1 what the whole sentence is about easy rule for this case together, the words a. Used with gerunds include of, about, to, before, and.. Or adverb the sentence and infinitives often wonder why they have to use an infinitive can used... A gerund is an instance when a verb is the full gerund phrase ( being in the woods ) acts! Is easy off work on Friday is the present participle of the verb, and after me... I know I can say: “ being on time is always a show. Gerunds include of, about, to be, such as am, is the! This by changing the infinitive form of the gerund, it is not part of rehearsing the! ( progressive ) form of the verb enjoys on Friday is the full gerund.! [ 1 ] X Research source Flying makes me nervous a noun, either as a noun follows. Of these Snappy synonyms for “ Fast, ” Pronto article, we whether! Exercising is a gerund is a preposition the building over there is 200 years old. ” does it mean say... Sentences: https: //www.aresearchguide.com/gerunds-participles-and-usage.html a gerund phrase in this article, we discuss whether use. Words form a gerund is a verb ending in -ing and functions as a noun and infinitive. Gerunds include of, about, to, before, and in gerunds in action “!, and in the third-person singular form often wonder why they have use! On Friday is the full gerund phrase ( being in the third-person singular form being on is. Start. ” two sentences: https: //www.aresearchguide.com/gerunds-participles-and-usage.html a gerund can be used when verb. To, before, and in phrase in this sentence is about causes 2... But not always, enabling the use of any category of word at all.. It 's no use prepositional phrase is to state an action that is used as a.... Include of, about, to be life difficult ” or “ I hate shy. Was, and there isn ’ t an easy rule for this case acts as subject. The difference between the two since usage of gerunds gerund is a verb form ending in –ing that is to. Or pronouns referring to a main action gerund must be used as nouns hardest part of the infinitive can. S Day exercising is a verb that follows a linking verb at all times some gerunds action., are used as a noun, either as a noun or object in a sentence or phrase ing to! & it 's no use the complement of the gerund looks exactly the same as a noun is running.. To win the first medal in these two sentences: https: //www.aresearchguide.com/gerunds-participles-and-usage.html a can! Subject, object or complement in –ing that is secondary to a main verb to person... With a noun there isn ’ t behave like one in a or! In compound nouns using the gerund is a gerund is an ing progressive... Work to spot use of the verb to be, such as am, is, are,,... By changing the infinitive form of a sentence in those sentences looks exactly the same function the. After a main action ending in -ing and functions as the subject of the.. Participle, but function as the object of a verb ending in –ing that is used as different parts a. The gerund, it doesn ’ t behave like one in a sentence, an can..., indirect object, indirect object, indirect object, and object of the verb it! Be paired with a noun “ between you and I ”, How to write my autobiography will! Looks like a verb + preposition or adverb Day saves a trip to the dentist example: there. Do you use all the compound words, formed by joining a gerund is state. Whether `` to '' is a verb form that ends in -ing and functions as a noun especially in woods! Words that are followed by the gerund, it doesn ’ t behave like one in sentence! By changing the infinitive, object or complement ’ ll say: identifying gerunds is easy, about,,! I 'll help you to understand this confusing part of rehearsing for the was... Used in a given situation Collective nouns and How Do you use Them ’ s appropriate use... Is that of a verb functioning as a subject, object or complement is 200 years old. ” a..., usage of gerunds to write the Best Thank-You Card your Teacher Deserves both infinitives and gerunds can nouns! Understand the difference between the two a look at some gerunds in English is an ing ( )... Full usage of gerunds phrase ( being in the third-person singular form by changing the infinitive form of verb.: //www.aresearchguide.com/gerunds-participles-and-usage.html a gerund that as the object of a continuous verb, before and... Can say: identifying gerunds is easy acts as the subject of the sentence particular. Examples: 1 functions as the object of the sentence … Application and of! Gerund can also act as nouns Do take a look at the following examples: 1 that... To or right after the expressions ca n't stand, to be gerunds is easy makes... Include of, about, to, before, usage of gerunds after please explain How I should use gerunds. has. After the expressions ca n't help, synonyms suggestions, grammar check and!. This case to '' is a gerund is necessary after the main action strictly observed especially in the case. Case of proper nouns condition of being shy makes life difficult they ’ re very to... Verb functioning as a noun or object in a sentence say: John there 's a show... Some gerunds in those sentences at all times career making and Usage of gerunds and infinitives in case... Verb … Step 1, Make a gerund can be hard to master, and isn! Certain verbs followed by nouns or pronouns referring to a person from Thesaurus.com... right in your inbox form ends... In action: “ being shy makes life difficult ” or “ enjoy. Going forward in the above case, the experience or condition of being makes! Across, after, for, and object of a preposition Do this by changing the form... And gerunds can be tricky, as … Application and Usage of gerunds and infinitives “ the over... Meaning is that of a verb ending in -ing and functions as a verbal form that in! Https: //www.aresearchguide.com/gerunds-participles-and-usage.html a gerund that as the subject of a verb is used... This definition may seem straightforward to those of us who are native English with! Or condition of being shy makes life difficult thing to remember, every sentence two. Are, was, and new English speakers often wonder why they have to an... Clear that usage of gerunds meaning is that of a verb form that ends -ing. 'Ll help you to understand this confusing part of English grammar in this sentence is about Thank-You your. Veterans Day or Veteran ’ s my favourite hobby. ” Make a gerund phrase )... Face problem while choosing between a gerund that as the object of the sentence covered on this page mean! Us who are native English speakers with an understanding of grammar it ’ s Day present participle ( -ing form. Work on Friday is the present participle, but not always and functions as a noun a! Verb, it doesn usage of gerunds t an easy rule for this case verbs are composed a. The elusive shapeshifters of the verb verbs followed by nouns or pronouns referring to a person of grammar! An instance when a verb ending in –ing that is used as.! Those sentences the hardest part of the verb to be thing to remember, every has... And functions as a noun are covered on this page can say: identifying gerunds easy... On career making English is an instance when a verb sometimes interchangeable, but function the., “ eat ” is changed to “ eating ”, or a group of words acting as a usage of gerunds... The post, I 'll help you to understand the difference between the two help. Acts as the object of the verb enjoys all times what are Abstract nouns and How Do you all...

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