Learn how to use Gerunds in English with examples.
What are Gerunds?
Gerunds are verbals that function as nouns and have an –ing ending.
Examples:
I am waiting. (Present Participle)
(This is the present continuous. “Waiting” here is part of the verb. It is not a gerund.)
I don’t like waiting. (Gerund)
(This is present simple, but it contains a gerund. “Waiting” is the direct object of this sentence.)
How to Use Gerunds
The gerund form of verbs is used as follows:
The Gerund Can be Used as Subject of a Sentence
Examples:
Writing in English is difficult.
Watching TV is my favorite pastime.
The Gerund Can be Used as Direct Object of a Sentence
Examples:
I like writing in English.
I love going out to restaurants.
The Gerund Can be Used as a Subject Complement
Examples:
My cat’s favorite activity is sleeping.
One of his duties is doing homework.
The Gerund Can be Used as an Object of a Preposition
Examples:
We shall be interested in hearing your comments.
Would you like to walk instead of taking the bus?
The Gerund Can be Used after Certain Expressions
It’s no use, it’s no good, there’s no point in…
Examples:
It’s no use tying it; you have to glue it.
There’s no point in wasting time.
Gerunds | Grammar Rules and Examples
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