A gerund is a word that looks like a verb, but functions as a noun in the sentence. Gerunds are formed by using the -ING form of the verb - reading, swimming, studying, etc. - but when it comes to grammar, they act as nouns.
Here are some common ways to use gerunds in English - and some practice sentences so you can use them yourself!
You can study grammar for hours, but can you actually use grammar well?
It's very important to create your own sentences with the grammar you are learning - this will help you remember it better, and then you'll be able to use English grammar more naturally when speaking or writing.
You can try putting grammar into practice by yourself, but it's easier when you have a ready-made exercise or writing task. You'll find these inside my Advanced English Grammar Course.
What if you're not yet advanced?
In that case, I'd recommend studying my Basic & Intermediate English Grammar E-Books, or watching my grammar playlist on YouTube - you will learn a lot!
English grammar, gerunds, from EspressoEnglish.net.
A gerund is a word that looks like a verb, but functions as a noun in the sentence.
Gerunds are formed by using the ING form of the verb,
reading, swimming, studying, etc.
However, when it comes to grammar, they act as nouns.
Today I'll show you examples of common ways to use gerunds in English.
And if you'd like to learn more, check out my Advanced English Grammar course.
Gerunds can be used when an action is the subject of a sentence.
For example, swimming is a great workout.
Reading books can help you learn new vocabulary.
Eating junk food can cause weight gain.
Another common place to use the gerund is as the object of the verb to be.
For example, my favorite activity is hiking.
One of your duties is taking notes in meetings.
His biggest mistake was trusting the salesperson.
We can also use a gerund after possessives like my, your, his, her, are, and their.
For example, he doesn't enjoy my singing.
Her cooking is simple but tasty.
The baby's crying woke me up.
Gerunds are used after prepositions.
For example, they left without saying goodbye.
I went to the gym after finishing my work.
You can improve your English by taking a course.
This knife is great for chopping vegetables.
And finally, we use the gerund after some phrasal verbs.
For example, I put off starting the project until the last minute.
Put off means delayed.
She keeps on bothering me when I'm trying to concentrate.
Keeps on means continues or does repeatedly.
We ended up canceling the picnic due to bad weather.
Ended up means finally took the action.
I look forward to meeting you next week.
Look forward to means anticipate or be excited about.
Now it's your turn to practice.
Complete each of these sentences with a gerund, a verb, or action in the ING form.
You can write your answers on a piece of paper, say them out loud, or post them in the comments on YouTube.
I'll give an example answer to the first one.
Teaching English makes me happy.
Teaching is the gerund, and the action is the subject of the sentence.
You can complete the sentence with your own activity.
For example, playing piano makes me happy.
Or, watching movies makes me happy.
Try it for each of these five sentences.
You can study English grammar for hours, but can you actually use it in your own English?
It's very important to create your own sentences with the grammar you are learning, like you did in this exercise.
This will help you remember it better, and then you'll be able to use English grammar more naturally when speaking or writing.
You can try putting grammar into practice yourself, but it's easier when you have a ready-made exercise or writing task.
You'll find these inside my Advanced English Grammar course.
What if you're not yet advanced?
In that case, I'd recommend studying my Basic and Intermediate English Grammar eBooks, or watching my grammar playlist on YouTube.
You'll learn a lot!
