All about Gerunds

What is a gerund?

A gerund is the -ing form of a verb such as swimming, listening, jogging etc. Gerunds are formed from verbs but act as nouns.

Verb + ing – Noun - Gerund

For example:

• Why should you pose a query if answering is optional?
• We were quite close to winning.
• We witnessed a lot of hooting and howling during a tennis tournament.

The words: answering, winning, hooting and howling are all gerunds. They are -ing forms of verbs and are acting as nouns in these sentences.

How to use Gerunds?

Gerunds can be subjects of a sentence or a clause.

• Shopping is my friend’s favorite hobby.
• Working out has really improved my health.

Gerunds also follow prepositions becoming their objects. (Preposition + Gerund)

• She thought about complaining to the police but decided she wouldn’t.
• They are looking forward to meeting their friends.
•  After watching the movie, she went to sleep.

Gerunds can also be used as objects of a verb.

• He enjoys listening to old songs.
• My teacher suggested studying for the upcoming quiz.

Watch the video lesson to take an in depth look at non-finite verbs, Gerunds.