What is a Gerund? - Meaning and Examples

You can understand a gerund meaning like this:

There are two types of words ending with -ing from verbs. One type is the present participle. Present participle used to make continuous tenses. It also works like an adjective sometimes.

The other type is called a gerund, you use it like a noun. It also called a verbal noun. Here some examples.

Gerund examples:

Swimming is my favourite sport.

I enjoy reading books.

Intruding in a queue is uncivil.

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Unlike the other nouns, a gerund is a noun of action because we form it out of a verb, which is a word of action. We form gerunds like this - add ing to the verb. Check out some examples below:

Using a present verb form, gerunds can be formed. Only -ing must be added at the end of the verb form. 

Gerunds function as nouns, but they have other functions as well. Gerund's usage can also be seen as subjects or objects. Let us understand how through the sections below. 

Gerund as Subject of Sentence

In English, gerunds can be subject. It mean gerund show main idea or what sentence talking about.

Example:

Reading makes a person more smart. ("Reading" is subject, show action.)

Swimming in pool is good pastime. ("Swimming" is subject, show action.)

Fishing is hobby of many people now. ("Fishing" is subject, show action.)

Fighting the odds is important for progress. ("Fighting" is subject, show action.)

Gerund as Object of Sentence

Gerunds also work like object in sentence. They follow verbs to complete meaning.

Example:

She avoids talking about problems. (Talking is object of "avoids.")

He finished writing report. (Writing is object of "finished.")

They considered moving new city. (Moving is object of "considered.")

We discussed going on vacation. (Going is object of "discussed.")

So this is how gerunds work. If you prepare for gerunds, keep these tips in mind also.

Gerunds do different jobs in sentence. Let’s see how they different from participles and infinitives.

Gerund and Participle

Knowing the difference between gerunds and participles important because some English learners get confuse.

What is a Participle?

A participle is -ing or -ed form of verb. It work like adjective or can be past perfect or present perfect tense.

Gerund & Infinitive

An infinitive is base form of verb. Usually comes with to before it. When a verb have to, it called to-infinitive. Many ways to use to-infinitives. Knowing when use gerund or infinitive very important for correct IELTS Writing.