What is Gerunds? What Are They? Definition & Examples

The Simple Gerund

The gerund is the -ing form of the verb used as a noun. Notice that the gerund has the same form as the present participle. However, it functions differently in the sentence. It is always a noun and can function in any noun position.

Examples :

• Swimming is good exercise. (subject)
• My favorite sport is swimming. (subjective compliment)
• Joel and Patrice enjoy dancing. (direct object)
• I am tired of camping. (object of preposition)
• Joel's favorite sport, fishing, is becoming expensive. (appositive)

The Gerund Phrase

While a gerund functions as a noun, it also retains some of the characteristics of a verb. Although it may have adjective modifies like a noun (usually before it). It may also have adverbial modifies like a verb (usually after it).

If a noun or pronoun precedes a gerund, it must be in the possessive, or adjectival form. In this section the gerund phrase is italicized; the simple gerund is underlined.

Examples :

• Your singing is beautiful.
• Joel was grateful for Patrice's attending his graduation.
• I appreciate Patrice's going to hospital with me.

Verb Frequently Followed by Gerund

As has been shown, when gerunds follow verb, they functions as direct objects of those verbs. The sentences pattern thus formed is noun + verb + noun, a pattern that requires a transitive verb. However, only certain verbs can be followed by gerunds.

Here is a reference list of some of the more common verbs that can be followed by gerunds, together with illustrative sentences.

• Admit : The thief admitted stealing the money
• Appreciate : Patrice would appreciate hearing from you.
• Detest : How I detest her singing!
• Avoid : After their quarrel, she has avoided meeting him.
• Consider : Joel has already considered continuing his studies.
• Continue : He will continue studying.

The other verbs are :

• Deny
• Detest
• Enjoy
• Stop
• Practice
• Try
• Escape
• Finish
• Forgive
• Imagine
• Keep
• Mind
• Miss
• Notice, etc.

Example of article using gerund - Articles to promote things

Do you want to save money on fruit and vegetables?

These days, who doesn't it?

Then I can recommend the new Farmer's Market, next to the Foster Street railroad station. It's only open from 8 to 12 Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, but you should take the trouble to go there.

There are a lot of fruits, and the prices are very good. Yesterday I bought six melons only for 69c each. The same melons were $1.15 each in Foodland Supermarket.

At this time of year they only have a few fresh vegetables, but I found some beautiful lettuce for 49c, and peas were only 89c a pound. Not many supermarkets in Midvale have prices that low. Even during their weekend specials.

There are some things that I didn't like. They don't have many dairy products. Last week they didn't have much cheese, and they didn't have any butter. Also, you should shop early. The good things sell out fast.

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