What is a Gerund?
A gerund is a form of a verb ending in -ing that acts as a noun.
Some examples of gerunds and gerund phrases would be the following:
Jenna’s favorite summer activity is surfing.
Jogging and weightlifting are two great ways to get in shape.
Paige detests listening to pop music.
Christopher has a bad habit of checking his phone during class.
Volunteering at the animal shelter is something I look forward to every weekend.
Long-Form Videos: Gerunds and Gerund Phrases
Long-form instructional video lessons allow students to engage with grammar concepts in more depth and detail.
This format provides students with a stronger foundation and a more comprehensive understanding of gerunds and gerund phrases.
Memorable Images: Gerunds and Gerund Phrases
The use of images to connect visual cues with concepts makes it simpler for students to grasp and remember key ideas. GrammarFlip’s memorable images create visual associations that make gerunds and gerund phrases more engaging and easier to retain.
What to Know About Gerunds
Gerunds always end with “-ing” but be sure you don’t get them confused with participles. Participles also end in “-ing” but the way participles function is different. Gerunds are verb forms ending in “-ing” that act as nouns, and if gerunds act as nouns, that means they can function as different parts of a sentence. For example:
As a Subject
Exercising is my favorite hobby.
“Exercising” derives from the verb “to exercise,” and it becomes a gerund when we add “-ing” to it and use it as the subject of our sentence.
As a Direct Object
I enjoy eating.
“Eating” derives from the verb “to eat,” and it becomes a gerund when we add “-ing” to it and use it as the direct object of our sentence.
As an Object of a Preposition
I have a tendency of speaking over others.
“Speaking” derives from the verb “to speak,” and it becomes a gerund when we add “-ing” to it and use it as the object of the preposition “of” in our sentence.
Gerunds can be a complex topic to grasp, but once you walk through each step of how a gerund is formed (ie, verb form -> add “-ing” -> use it as a noun), you’ll have a better understanding of them. Also, be sure to use a possessive with a gerund in your writing, as many people don’t remember to do this.
When you’re ready to learn other verbals, be sure to explore participles and then infinitives!
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