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Gerunds: Meaning, How to Use, and Examples

A gerund is a verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun, used in subjects, objects, or complements. Learn what gerunds are and how to use them effectively in different parts of a sentence here.
authorImageJasdeep Singh25 Apr, 2025
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Gerunds: Did you know that some words look like verbs but act like nouns? These special words are called gerunds ! A gerund ends in -ing and is a clever way to talk about activities as if they are things.

This helps make your sentences more engaging and interesting. Understanding how to use gerunds can improve your writing and speaking by allowing you to describe activities in a fun and detailed way.

Auxiliary Verbs

What Is a Gerund? – Definition and Meaning

A gerund is a verb form that ends in -ing and functions as a noun in a sentence. Though gerunds are derived from verbs, they do not act as verbs in a sentence but instead, serve as objects, subjects, or complements, just like regular nouns. Essentially, a gerund is a noun that originates from a verb.

Key Characteristics of a Gerund:

  • It always ends in -ing .
  • It is formed by adding -ing to the base verb.
  • It acts as a noun in a sentence.

For example:

  • Reading is my favorite hobby. (Here, "reading" is a gerund, acting as the subject of the sentence.)
  • I enjoy swimming in the pool. (Here, "swimming" is a gerund, acting as the object of the verb "enjoy.")

Phrasal Verbs

Forming a Gerund – Rules to Follow

A gerund is formed by adding -ing to the base form of a verb. However, there are a few rules and exceptions to keep in mind when forming gerunds:

Adding -ing :

  • For most verbs, simply add -ing to the base form of the verb:
      • play → playing
      • run → running
      • write → writing

Verbs Ending in ‘e’ :

  • For verbs ending in ‘e’ , drop the ‘e’ before adding -ing :
      • make → making
      • dance → dancing

Verbs Ending in ‘ee’ :

Verbs ending in ‘ee’ retain the ‘e’ before adding -ing :
      • see → seeing
      • agree → agreeing

Verbs Ending in ‘ie’ :

For verbs ending in ‘ie’ , replace ‘ie’ with ‘y’ before adding -ing :
      • die → dying
      • lie → lying

Monosyllabic Verbs (CVC structure) :

If the verb is monosyllabic and follows a consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) pattern, double the final consonant before adding -ing :
      • run → running
      • sit → sitting

Longer Verbs with CVC Structure :

For longer verbs with the same CVC structure, double the final consonant only if the last syllable is stressed:
      • begin → beginning (double the ‘n’ because the stress is on the last syllable)
      • refer → referring (no doubling because the stress is not on the last syllable)

How to Use Gerunds in Sentences?

Gerunds can be used in various ways within a sentence, fulfilling several grammatical roles. Below are some of the most common uses of gerunds:

1. Gerunds as the Subject of a Sentence

Gerunds often serve as the subject of a sentence, indicating the action or activity being discussed.
  • Reading helps to improve vocabulary.
  • Swimming is good for your health.
In these sentences, the gerunds reading and swimming are the subjects, representing actions.

2. Gerunds as the Object of a Verb

Gerunds can also function as the object of a verb. This means that the gerund receives the action of the verb.
  • I enjoy running in the mornings.
  • She dislikes waiting for others.
Here, running and waiting are gerunds used as the objects of the verbs "enjoy" and "dislikes," respectively.

3. Gerunds as the Object of a Preposition

When a preposition precedes the gerund, the gerund functions as the object of the preposition.
  • She is interested in learning French.
  • He apologized for being late.
In these examples, learning and being are gerunds that follow prepositions ("in" and "for").

4. Gerunds as a Complement

Gerunds can also act as a complement to the subject or object in a sentence, completing the meaning.
  • His favorite activity is reading .
  • Her passion is singing .
Here, reading and singing are gerunds used as complements to the subjects.

Why Are Gerunds Important?

Gerunds are important because they let us talk about activities or actions as if they are things. This helps make sentences more detailed and fun! Using gerunds can also make your writing sound smoother. Examples :

  • Without a gerund: I like to read books.
  • With a gerund: I like reading books.

See how the second sentence sounds more natural? That’s why gerunds are great!

Quick Tip for Remembering Gerunds

If you see a word ending in -ing and it’s acting as a thing or activity in the sentence, it’s probably a gerund. Here’s an easy way to check: try replacing the -ing word with a noun like “activity” or “thing.” If the sentence still makes sense, then you know it’s a gerund.

Example 1:

  • Sentence: She enjoys painting .
  • Check: Replace “painting” with “the thing.”
  • Result : She enjoys the thing.

This also makes sense, showing that “painting” is a gerund acting as the object of the verb “enjoys.”

Example 2:

  • Sentence: We talked about going on vacation.
  • Check: Replace “going” with “the activity.”
  • Result: We talked about the activity on vacation.

This replacement still makes sense, so “going” is a gerund acting as the object of the preposition “about.”

Example 3:

  • Sentence: Dancing makes her happy.
  • Check: Replace “dancing” with “the activity.”
  • Result: The activity makes her happy.

Since the sentence still makes sense, “dancing” is a gerund acting as the subject.

Practice Time!

Now it’s your turn to practice using gerunds. Fill in the blanks with the correct gerund form of the verb in parentheses.

  1. My sister enjoys ___ (paint) pictures of animals.
  2. ___ (Swim) in the pool is my favorite summer activity.
  3. They talked about ___ (travel) to new countries.
  4. We are thinking about ___ (start) a new club.
  5. ___ (Dance) at the party was so much fun!

Answers :

  1. painting
  2. Swimming
  3. traveling
  4. starting
  5. Dancing

Gerunds make sentences more fun and detailed by turning actions into things you can talk about. Whether you’re using them as the subject, the object, or after a preposition, gerunds help your sentences sound smooth and connected. Keep practicing, and you’ll soon be a gerund expert!

 

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FAQs

Are gerunds the same as present participles?

No, gerunds and present participles may both end in -ing, but they serve different purposes. Gerunds act as nouns in a sentence, while present participles function as verbs to indicate continuous action or as adjectives. For example:: “I like running” (gerund) vs. “I am running” (present participle showing action).

Can gerunds follow prepositions?

Yes, gerunds often follow prepositions such as at, in, on, about, and with. This is a common use of gerunds in sentences. For example: “She is interested in cooking.” In this sentence, “cooking” follows the preposition “in” and acts as the object.

Can gerunds be plural?

No, gerunds do not have a plural form. Because they act as nouns representing activities or actions, they are always singular, even when referring to repeated or collective actions. For example: You would say, “Swimming is fun,” not “Swimmings are fun.”

Can a gerund be used as the object of a preposition?

Yes, gerunds are commonly used as the object of prepositions, which makes sentences sound more natural. For example:“They talked about going to the park.” Here, “going” is a gerund that acts as the object of the preposition “about.
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