Identify gerunds and their functions

Key Notes:

1. What Are Gerunds?

A gerund is the -ing form of a verb that functions as a noun in a sentence. Though gerunds look like present participles (which also end in -ing), gerunds act as nouns, whereas participles act as adjectives.

  • Example:
  • Swimming is my favorite hobby.
  • (Here, “swimming” is a gerund, functioning as the subject of the sentence.)

2. How to Identify a Gerund

To identify a gerund, look for a verb ending in -ing that is functioning as a noun. Gerunds can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.

  • Examples:
  • Running is fun.
    • (Running is a gerund functioning as the subject.)
  • I enjoy reading.
    • (Reading is a gerund functioning as the object of the verb “enjoy.”)

3. Functions of Gerunds

Gerunds can serve multiple functions in a sentence, including:

a. Subject of a Sentence:

When a gerund functions as the subject, it tells what the sentence is about.

  • Example:
  • Cooking is a valuable skill.
  • (Here, “cooking” is the subject of the sentence.)

b. Direct Object of a Verb:

When a gerund functions as the object, it follows an action verb and receives the action.

  • Example:
  • She enjoys dancing.
  • (Here, “dancing” is the direct object of the verb “enjoys.”)

c. Object of a Preposition:

Gerunds can follow prepositions to act as the object of the preposition.

  • Example:
  • They are interested in learning.
  • (Here, “learning” is the object of the preposition “in.”)

d. Subject Complement:

When a gerund follows a linking verb (like “is” or “was”), it acts as a subject complement.

  • Example:
  • His favorite activity is swimming.
  • (Here, “swimming” is a gerund acting as a complement to the subject “activity.”)

e. Possessive Gerunds:

Sometimes, gerunds follow possessive nouns or pronouns to show who is performing the action of the gerund.

  • Example:
  • I appreciate your helping me.
  • (Here, “your” is possessive, and “helping” is the gerund.)

4. Difference Between Gerunds and Present Participles

Though both gerunds and present participles end in -ing, they serve different functions:

  • Gerunds function as nouns.
  • Present participles function as adjectives or are part of a verb phrase.
  • Example:
  • Gerund:
    • Singing is fun. (Gerund acting as a noun/subject.)
  • Present Participle:
    • The singing bird woke me up. (Participle describing the noun “bird.”)

5. Common Mistakes with Gerunds

a. Confusing Gerunds with Infinitives:

  • Gerunds: -ing form used as a noun.
  • Example: I enjoy reading.
  • Infinitives: to + base form of the verb.
  • Example: I like to read.

b. Dangling Gerunds:

Make sure the gerund is connected to a specific noun or pronoun.

  • Incorrect:
  • Driving through the city, the buildings were tall.
    (Who is driving? The sentence is unclear.)
  • Correct:
  • Driving through the city, I noticed the tall buildings.
    (Now it’s clear that “I” am driving.)

6. How to Use Gerunds Effectively

  • Consistency: Gerunds often follow verbs of preference (e.g., enjoy, like, dislike).
  • Precision: Gerunds allow for more concise expression, especially when describing activities or actions.
  • Example:
  • Instead of: I like to run in the morning.
  • You can say: I like running in the morning.

Let’s practice!🖊️