Gerunds - Definition, Examples, Overview
A gerund is a verb ending in -ing that functions as a noun part of a wider group called verbals (verb forms that do not act as main verbs) names an activity, idea, or experience rather than showing an action happening.
Gerunds can act as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence (e.g., Swimming is good exercise. (Swimming = subject)).
Gerunds are formed by adding -ing to the base verb (e.g., reading, swimming, learning).
If the -ing word functions as a noun rather than a verb, it is a gerund.
What is a gerund?
A gerund is formed by adding -ing to a verb that works as a noun in a sentence. Although it looks like a verb, it is not used to describe an action but functions like a thing or idea.
Examples:
- Reading before bed helps me sleep better.
- She enjoys cooking for her family.
- They talked about travelling abroad.
The 4 Types of Gerunds
A gerund can act as the subject of a sentence (followed by a verb), as a direct object (the thing directly affected by the verb), as a subject complement (linked back to the subject by a linking verb), or as an object of a preposition.
There are 4 main types of gerunds: Subject, Subject Complement, Direct Object, and Object of a Preposition. Indirect Object and Object Complement serve as additional, more specific roles.
| Type of Gerund | Explanation | Example |
| Subject | The gerund acts as the subject performing the action of the sentence. | Gardening helps me relax after work. |
| Subject Complement | The gerund follows a linking verb and renames or describes the subject. | Her favourite weekend activity is baking. |
| Direct Object | The gerund receives the action of the main verb. | They enjoy watching old films together. |
| Object of a Preposition | The gerund follows a preposition and acts as its object. | He left without saying goodbye. |
| Indirect Object | The gerund receives the direct object, often after verbs of giving, offering, or showing. | He gave painting a chance. |
| Object Complement | The gerund gives more information about the direct object and describes the result of the action. | She considers writing her hobby. |
How to form gerunds?
To form these structures correctly, you can use either verb + -ing (the gerund form), where the verb acts like a noun, or verb + to + base verb (the infinitive form), where the verb follows to and keeps its base form.
Gerund (verb + -ing):
- She enjoys reading before bed.
- They discussed moving to a new city.
Infinitive (verb + to + base verb):
- She plans to read tonight.
- They decided to move next month.
Forms of Gerunds in Sentences
| Form | Structure | Gerund Example |
| Positive | verb + gerund | She admitted breaking the vase. |
| Negative | verb + not + gerund | They discussed not inviting him. |
| Question | question word + auxiliary + subject + verb + gerund | Why did she avoid answering the question? |
Find out more
Similar to gerunds, infinitives can act as nouns. An infinitive combines the word to with the base form of a verb. It can be used in two ways: as a noun that expresses a single idea and as an adjective that describes a noun in the sentence.
As a noun:
- To travel is my dream.
- She hopes to learn French.
As an adjective:
- He brought a book to read on the train.
- They need a table to place the snacks on.
Gerunds and present participles both end in -ing, which is why they are often confused. They look identical, but they do different jobs in a sentence.
The key difference is function:
- A gerund is a verb form that acts as a noun.
- A present participle is a verb form that acts as part of a verb tense or as an adjective.
How to Tell the Difference
When you see a word ending in -ing, ask:
Is this word naming an activity (a thing)? → Gerund
Is this word describing an action happening or describing a noun? → Present participle
Gerund (noun) | Present participle (verb or adjective) |
| Crying is a healthy way to release emotions. | The crying baby needed comfort. |
| She enjoys painting. | She is painting the fence. |
| Swimming is good exercise. | They are swimming in the pool. |
After finding a word ending in -ing, ask yourself:
Is this word acting like a noun?
Gerunds act as nouns in a sentence. If an -ing word functions as a subject, object, or complement, it is a gerund.
Remember: Present participles also end in -ing, but they function either as part of verb phrases or as adjectives.
Can you replace it with "it"? If the sentence still makes sense, it is likely a gerund.
Examples:
- Reading improves focus. → It improves focus.
- She enjoys painting. → She enjoys it.
- They talked about moving. → They talked about it.
A gerund phrase begins with a gerund and includes its objects and any modifiers. The whole phrase functions as a noun in the sentence.
Structure: gerund + object(s) + modifier(s)
Examples:
- Drinking coffee late at night affects my sleep. (gerund + object + time modifier)
- She enjoys reading mystery novels on rainy afternoons. (gerund + object + prepositional phrase)
- Walking through the park without headphones clears my mind. (gerund + prepositional phrase + modifier)
- They talked about moving to a quieter neighbourhood next year. (gerund + prepositional phrase + time modifier)