Master English Gerunds: A Guide to Verbs and Grammar

Gerunds are essential in English grammar, particularly when it comes to mastering verbs. A gerund is the -ing form of a verb that acts as a noun, and it is vital for constructing meaningful sentences. Understanding gerunds can significantly enhance your language skills.

Dive into this article as we thoroughly examine gerunds, showcasing their importance and offering practical examples to help you master their application. To deepen your understanding of verb usage, check out our feature on 10 intriguing English verbs and prepositions. Plus, enhancing your grammar skills with modal verbs can be beneficial—explore the nuances of “shall” and “should” in our dedicated section on modal verbs.

What is a gerund?

A gerund is formed by adding ‘-ing’ to the base form of a verb, transforming it into a noun. Although it resembles a present participle, its role in a sentence is distinct. Essentially, a gerund functions as a noun, allowing it to take on tasks typically reserved for nouns.

Examples of gerunds

1. Swimming is my favorite hobby.
2. She enjoys reading in her free time.
3. Running is good for health.

The role of gerunds in sentences

Gerunds as subjects

Gerunds serve as the subject of a sentence, transforming actions into nouns that convey activities. This unique function allows us to discuss actions in a more abstract way, enriching our language and expression.

• Cooking requires patience.
• Dancing is a great way to stay fit.

Gerunds as objects

Gerunds serve as versatile components in sentences, functioning as objects for verbs, prepositions, and adjectives. This capability enables them to effectively illustrate actions related to these parts of speech.

• She loves painting.
• They talked about traveling.
• He is interested in learning new languages.

Gerunds in phrasal verbs

Many phrasal verbs are followed by gerunds, helping to convey more specific meanings and actions.

• She looks forward to meeting her friends.
• He gave up smoking last year.

Gerunds vs. infinitives after specific verbs

Explanation

Some verbs need a gerund, while others call for an infinitive to convey precise meanings. A gerund, which ends in ‘-ing’ (like ‘dancing’ or ‘swimming’), functions as a noun derived from a verb. On the other hand, an infinitive is the verb’s base form and can appear as ‘to + verb’ or simply ‘verb.’ It’s important to note that the ‘to’ form of an infinitive does not indicate tense.

• Gerund: main verb + verb + ‘-ing’
• Infinitive: main verb + [‘to’ +] verb

Examples

• My family enjoys camping.
• I don’t like biking in the park.
• Brian likes to camp at the lake.
• He wants to swim in the lake.

Common mistakes

Some verbs are followed by gerunds, not infinitives.

✖️ Incorrect: My family enjoys to camp.

✅ Correct: My family enjoys camping.

Specific verbs: Stop talking

Certain verbs can be followed with a gerund, and others require an infinitive to express a specific meaning.

Examples

• He had forgotten to bring his wallet.
• Dan found his wallet in another jacket pocket although he didn’t remember putting it there.
• I know I should stop worrying about the future, but I can’t help it.
• I should stop to take a break but I just have too much studying to do.

Common mistakes

Some verbs may be followed by a gerund or an infinitive, depending on the intended meaning.

✖️ Incorrect: He had forgotten bringing his wallet.

✅ Correct: He had forgotten to bring his wallet.

Passive voice and gerunds

Gerunds (passive): Being accused, being seen

A gerund is a verb that ends with ‘-ing’ and functions as a noun in a sentence. When we refer to a passive gerund, we’re talking about an ‘-ing’ verb that is used in the passive voice, indicating that the action is being performed on the subject rather than by it.

• Passive gerund: ‘being’ + past participle
• Perfect passive gerund: ‘having been’ + past participle

Examples

• Being accused of plagiarism is an honor code violation.
• There is the chance of an innocent person being convicted for a crime they didn’t commit.
• Having been accused of the crime, he had to hire a lawyer to defend him.

Common mistakes

A passive gerund uses the verb ‘be’ or ‘have’ and the past participle of the main verb.

✖️ Incorrect: Been accusing of plagiarism is an honor code violation.

✅ Correct: Being accused of plagiarism is an honor code violation.

Passive voice: Gerunds vs. infinitives

A passive gerund is a verb that ends in ‘-ing’ and is used in the passive voice. This form is particularly useful for describing intricate situations, allowing for a clearer understanding of actions and their effects.

• Passive gerund: ‘being’ + past participle
• Perfect passive gerund: ‘having been’ + past participle

A passive infinitive serves to express possibilities or correctness, making it particularly useful for describing intricate situations.

• Passive infinitive: ‘to be’ + past participle
• Perfect passive infinitive: ‘to have been’ + past participle

Both forms typically follow another verb, creating complex verb phrases.

Examples

• We insist on being joined by you for a fun day at the park.
• Matthew insisted on being asked to assist with buying Alice’s retirement gift.
• Matthew appreciated being helped by his uncle.
• I hoped to be finished by lunchtime.
• He would doubtless want to be asked to help Matthew purchase a gift for her.

Common mistakes

Some passive gerunds use the ‘-ing’ form of ‘be’ with the past participle of the main verb.

✖️ Incorrect: We insist on be joining by you for a fun day at the park.

✅ Correct: We insist on being joined by you for a fun day at the park.

Additionally:

Verb: Gerund/Infinitive: Past participle

• Hope: to be: asked
• Resented: being: stood up
• Appreciate: having been: considered
• Would love: to have been: contacted

Gerund vs. infinitive (after verb+object)

Explanation

Some intricate verbal structures necessitate the use of either a gerund or an infinitive after a transitive verb that has an object, whether direct or indirect.

• Gerund: main verb + direct/indirect object + gerund
• Infinitive: main verb + direct/indirect object + infinitive

Examples

• The team spent its time investigating cyber crimes.
• These mysteries compelled them to seek information from the dark web.
• This information enabled them to track certain criminals.
• These criminals naturally disliked the investigators tracking their nefarious deeds.
• However, the Department of Justice began an incentive program to further the effort.

Common mistakes

To master the nuances of language, it’s essential to memorize specific complex verbal constructions by observing how they are used by speakers and writers. Notably, many verbs combined with objects typically necessitate either a gerund or an infinitive.

✖️ Incorrect: Her uncle’s generosity enabled her enrolling in a good school.

✅ Correct: Her uncle’s generosity enabled her to enroll in a good school.

Tips for mastering gerunds

1. Practice regularly

Engage in writing and speaking exercises that incorporate gerunds.

2. Read extensively

Exposure to well-written material helps internalize correct gerund usage.

3. Seek feedback

Have your writing and speaking reviewed by tutors or peers to identify and correct errors.

Final thoughts

Mastering gerunds is a crucial milestone in improving your English grammar, especially when it comes to understanding verbs. To receive tailored support and accelerate your progress, think about enrolling in one-on-one English lessons. Enjoy your learning journey!

Mastering gerunds can significantly improve learners’ clarity and precision in communication, empowering them to become more effective and articulate speakers.