Gerund in English Grammar

The gerund is the -ing form of a verb. The gerund has the same function as a noun in a sentence, despite that it looks like a verb and is conjugated in the same way as the present participle.

Example

Explanation

Smoking harmfully affects your health.

Smoking is the -ing form of the verb smoke, and has the same function as the noun in this sentence.

Rule 1: We can use the gerund as the subject of the sentence.

Example

Explanation

Running in the morning makes me feel great for the whole day ahead.

Running is the gerund that functions as a subject in this sentence.

Rule 2: We can use the gerund as the complement of the verb to be.

Example

Explanation

One of my direct responsibilities is attending industry meetings and workshops.

Attending is the gerund used as a complement in the sentence.

Rule 3: We use the gerund when a verb comes after a preposition or certain certain expressions ending in a preposition, such as in spite of and there is no point in.

Example

Explanation

I lost some weight by adjusting my diet.

Adjusting is the gerund used after the preposition by.

Rule 4: We use the gerund after phrasal verbs.

Example

Explanation

Have you tried to give up smoking?

Smoking is the gerund used after the phrasal verb give up.

Note: Some phrasal verbs end with the word to, such as look forward to or to be used to. It is important to recognize that the word to is the preposition here and must be followed by the gerund. It is not a part of the infinitive form of the verb.

Example

Explanation

I look forward to meeting you soon.

Look forward to is the phrasal verb ending with the preposition to, so it should be followed by the gerund.

Rule 5: We use the gerund in compound nouns.

Example

Explanation

She had her first driving lesson today.

The gerund driving is a part of the compound noun driving lesson. Here, driving has clear meaning of a noun, as driving lesson is the lesson to practise driving, not the lesson that is driving.

Rule 6: We use the gerund after certain expressions, such as to be worth, can't help, can't stand, and it's no use.

Example

Explanation

And I can't help falling in love with you.

Falling is the gerund that follows the expression can't help.

Quiz

1/4

Choose the correct form of the verb. He is very keen on ___.

correct answers.