Gerund

GERUND 

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. 

Example:
Swimming is good exercise. (subject) 

My favorite sport is swimming. (subjective complement)

George and Gwen enjoy dancing. (direct object)

I am tired of walking. (object of a preposition)

George’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 modifiers like a noun, it may also have adverbial modifiers like a verb. If a noun or pronoun precedes gerund, it must be in the possessive, or adjectival, form.

Your singing is beautiful.

Everyone admires Gwen’s expert dancing.

George was grateful for Gwen’s attending his graduation.

I appreciate Gwen’s going to the hospital with me.

My neighbors did a lot of loud arguing last night.



The gerund can be the object of a verb or a preposition. It can also have an object. In facts a gerund can be the object of another gerund, of a participle, or of an infinitive.

Making model airplanes is a good hobby for young children.

Practicing diving is a favorite pastime of many swimmers.





Use of the Gerund and the Gerund Phrase



Gerund phrase function in the sentence exactly as simple gerunds do. Both are used in noun positions.

Listening requires patience.

Listening to the radio is good practice in understanding English. (subject)





Gwen enjoys camping.

Gwen enjoys camping in the mountains. (direct object)



George’s favorite sport is fishing.

George’s favorite sport is fishing for sea bass. 9subjective complement)



I am tired of arguing.

I am tired of arguing with my advisor. (object of preposition)



My hobby, juggling, is not expensive.

My hobby, juggling flaming torches, is not expensive. (appositive)

Verbs frequently Followed by Gerunds



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

1. Admit

2. Appreciate

3. Avoid

4. Consider

5. Continue

6. Delay

7. Deny

8. Enjoy

9. Escape

10. Finish

11. Forgive

12. Imagine

13. Keep (continue)

14. Mind (dislike)

15. Miss

16. Notice

17. Postpone

18. Practice

19. Quit

20. Resent

21. Resist

22. Risk

23. Suggest

24. Stop

25. Try (experiment)

26. understand