Everything You Need to Know About Gerunds

Gerunds are the present participle form of a verb (verb + ing) that functions as a noun. These are sometimes called verbal nouns. They function as a noun in sentences.

These can be taught as a grammar lesson or as they are encountered in reading or writing.

SUBJECT

 Generally, it is better to use a gerund for a subject than an infinitive. 

• Swimming is my favorite sport.
• Reading is great entertainment.

DIRECT OBJECT

• I suggest trying the spaghetti. It's delicious.
• I miss playing the piano.

SUBJECT COMPLEMENT

• My favorite sport is running.
• His favorite subject is writing.

OBJECT OF A PREPOSITION

• I am afraid of flying.
• He is very good at drawing.

Gerunds Can Have Direct Objects

• I like learning English. (English is the D.O. of learning)
• I hate teaching writing.(writing is the D.O. of teaching)

Gerunds are used to discuss actions that are real, concrete and completed.

• I stopped smoking.
• I practiced playing the piano.
• The voting has finished.

Gerunds are used to give opinions.

• I hate waiting for the bus.
• I enjoy cooking.
• I prefer making pizza.
• I wish moving was easy.

Common Verbs Followed by a Gerund Include:

admit, advise, anticipate, appreciate, avoid, complete, consider, delay, deny, discuss, enjoy, escape, finish, imagine, keep, mention, mind, miss, postpone, practice, quit, recall, recommend, regret, resist, risk, stop, suggest, tolerate

Common Verbs Followed by a Gerund or Infinitive Include:

begin, continue, forget, hat, like, love, neglect, prefer, remember, start

Reasons for using Gerunds

Spelling Rules for Forming Gerunds

Spelling Rules for Adding -ing

1. Add the -ing suffix to a word ending with two consonants.

• talk + ing = talking
• drink + ing = drinking

2, 1-1-1 Rule: Double the final letter when the word has 1 syllable, 1 short vowel, and ends with 1 consonant. (x is not doubled)

• swim + m + ing = swimming
• jog + g + ing = jogging

3. If the word ends with Silent E, drop the e and add -ing.

• smoke - e+ ing = smoking
• cope - e + ing = coping

4. If the word ends with vowel + Y,  add -ing.

• play + ing = playing
• enjoy + ing = enjoying

5. If the word ends with consonant + Y, add -ing.

• fly + ing = flying
• reply + ing = replying

6. Change 'ie' to 'y' and add -ing.

• die - ie + y + ing = dying
• lie - ie + y + ing  = lying