Gerunds
A gerund is a verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun. Gerunds can be subjects, objects, and complements in sentences.
What is a gerund?
A gerund is formed by adding -ing to the base verb. Despite looking like a present participle, a gerund acts as a noun in a sentence — it names an activity or concept.
Swimming is great exercise. (subject)
She enjoys reading. (object)
His hobby is painting. (complement)
Uses of gerunds
1. As the subject of a sentence:
Running every day takes discipline.
Making mistakes is part of learning.
2. As the object of a verb:
Certain verbs are always followed by a gerund, not an infinitive.
| Verb + gerund | Example |
|---|---|
| enjoy, avoid, consider, suggest, mind, finish, practise, keep, recommend, deny, admit, postpone | She enjoys swimming. He avoided answering. They suggested leaving early. |
3. After prepositions:
She is good at drawing.
He left without saying goodbye.
I'm interested in learning more.
4. After certain expressions:
It's no use worrying.
It's worth trying.
I can't help laughing.
Gerund vs. infinitive: Some verbs take a gerund, others take an infinitive, and some take both (with different meanings). See the Gerunds vs Infinitives page for a full comparison.
Tip: If you can replace the -ing word with a noun (e.g. replace 'swimming' with 'the sport'), it is a gerund.