Words in English often wear many hats, and few demonstrate this versatility as elegantly as gerunds. Derived from the Latin gerundium, meaning “to be carried out,” a gerund transforms a verb into a noun by adding the simple suffix -ing.

What begins as an action—like running, singing, or writing—becomes a concept or thing that can play a starring role in a sentence. This linguistic shapeshifter may resemble other -ing forms, such as participles, but its unique ability to function as a noun sets it apart.

In this exploration, we’ll unravel what gerunds are, how they operate, and the rules that guide their use.

Also included:

• The Ultimate Gerund Quiz
• 40 words that can be gerunds and infinitives

The Ultimate Guide on Nouns

Nouns are the foundation of every sentence you write. This is part of the Ultimate Guide, which explores every category and rule, providing you with the tools to identify, use, and master them with total confidence.

• All about nouns in English: Types, examples, and usage
• Compound nouns in English: Rules, examples, and types
• Nominalization: Definition, examples, and how to improve your writing
• Uncountable nouns: A complete guide to mass nouns in English
• Countable nouns: A complete guide to grammar and usage
• Collective nouns: The ultimate guide to group names and usage
• Abstract nouns: Definition, examples, and how to use them
• What are concrete nouns? Definition, examples, and usage
• Proper nouns: Definition, examples, and usage rules
• Infinitives: A complete guide to understanding and using the base verb form
• Understanding gerunds: A complete guide to grammar, rules, and examples (this article)

What are gerunds?

We derive the word “gerund” from the word “gerundium” which means to be carried out.

A gerund is a verb form that functions as a noun in a sentence. It is created by taking the base form of a verb and adding the suffix -ing. For example, “run” becomes “running,” “sing” becomes “singing,” and “write” becomes “writing.”

Example: Chasing squirrels keeps my dog in shape. In this sentence, “chasing” is the subject—it is the specific activity that provides the exercise.

While gerunds look identical to present participles, they serve different grammatical purposes:

• Gerunds: Act as nouns (e.g., “I love reading“).
• Participles: Act as adjectives or parts of continuous verb tenses (e.g., “The reading lamp is broken”).

What do gerunds do in a sentence?

Gerunds allow actions to be treated as concepts. Because they function as nouns, they can occupy several different positions in a sentence:

1. Subject of the sentence

The gerund acts as the “doer” or the main topic.

• Example: Swimming is a great exercise.

2. Direct object

The gerund receives the action of the main verb.

• Example: I enjoy reading books.

3. Subject complement

A subject complement serves to complete the meaning of the subject by providing an identity or a specific quality. When a gerund acts in this role, it follows a linking verb (most commonly “is,” “was,” or “becomes”) to define exactly what the subject is rather than what the subject is doing. The gerund renames or describes the subject, usually following a linking verb like “is.”

• Example: Her favorite hobby is painting.

4. Object of a preposition

When a verb follows a preposition (such as of, for, in, at, after), it must be a gerund.

• Example: He’s tired of waiting.

5. Appositive

An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that sits next to another noun to rename it or provide more specific information about it. It acts like a “bonus” description that clarifies exactly who or what you are talking about. The gerund renames or explains another noun directly.

• Example: Her talent, dancing, amazes everyone.

Gerund vs. present participle: Key differences

Because both forms end in “-ing,” they are often confused. This table helps distinguish their roles:

Important rules for using gerunds

To use gerunds correctly in professional writing, keep these grammatical rules in mind:

Spelling adjustments

While most gerunds simply add “-ing,” some require changes to the root word:

• Double consonants: Words with a short vowel sound before the last letter often double the consonant (e.g., run → running).
• Drop the “e”: If a verb ends in a silent “e,” drop it before adding the suffix (e.g., write → writing).

Verbs followed by gerunds

Some English verbs specifically require a gerund rather than an infinitive (“to” + verb). Common verbs include enjoy, avoid, admit, consider, and suggest.

• Correct: She enjoys swimming.
• Incorrect: She enjoys to swim.

Using possessives with gerunds

In formal writing, use a possessive pronoun (my, your, his, her, their) before a gerund.

• Formal: I appreciate your helping me.
• Informal: I appreciate you helping me.

Gerund phrases

A gerund phrase consists of a gerund plus its objects or modifiers. The entire phrase functions as a single noun.

• Example: Reading mystery novels relaxes me. (“Reading mystery novels” is the subject).

Common FAQs about gerunds

Summary

Gerunds are a remarkable bridge between the dynamic world of verbs and the steady realm of nouns. By mastering their formation and recognizing their roles after specific verbs and prepositions, you can significantly improve your English fluency.

Whether they are acting as subjects or objects, gerunds are the key to clearer, more expressive communication.

Appendix

The Ultimate Gerund Quiz

Detailed explanations for key quiz questions

1. Understanding the possessive before a gerund (Question 18)

• Question: Choose the correct formal sentence: I dislike his smoking.
• Reason: In formal English, when a gerund is preceded by a noun or pronoun, that word should be in the possessive case. You aren’t disliking the person (“him”); you are disliking the activity (“the smoking”) that belongs to him. Therefore, “his” is grammatically superior to “him” in this context.

2. Gerunds vs. infinitives (Question 2 & 4)

• Question: He admitted to stealing the cookies. / She avoids driving. (Admitted to is a phrasal verb)
• Reason: Certain verbs in English are “gerund-only” verbs. While words like “like” or “love” can take both (I like to swim vs. I like swimming), verbs such as admit, avoid, consider, deny, finish, and suggest must be followed by a gerund.

3. Objects of prepositions (Question 3 & 14)

• Question: I am interested in learning. / We are tired of waiting.
• Reason: This is a fixed rule in English: Any verb that immediately follows a preposition (in, of, at, about, for) must be a gerund. You cannot say “interested in to learn” or “tired of wait.”

4. Distinguishing gerunds from participles (Question 9)

• Question: Identify the gerund: “The singing birds woke me up.”
• Answer: None. (In the quiz, “singing” is actually a participle here because it describes the birds).
• Reason: This is a “trick” question common in advanced exams. If the -ing word is acting as an adjective to describe a noun (The singing birds, the crying baby, the purring cat), it is a present participle, not a gerund. A gerund must function as a noun.

Summary table of “gerund-only” verbs

To score a perfect 20/20 next time, memorize these common verbs that almost always require a gerund:

40 words that can be gerunds and infinitives

Verbs with little to no change in meaning

These verbs are the easiest to use. You can follow them with a gerund or an infinitive, and the sentence will mean essentially the same thing.

Verbs where the meaning changes significantly

This is the “advanced” list. Using the wrong form here can lead to confusion because it changes the logic of the action.