Grammar 101

Gerunds

Learning Objectives

To have a working knowledge of what Gerunds are and to avoid the mistake of interpretating them as verbs.

To learn how to use Gerunds in sentence constructions so as to enhance their intended meanings.

Introduction Read the following sentences and say whether

they are grammatical or not. “She is practising speaking English for her exams

next week.”“I wonder at his keeping calm.”“All I can do is waiting.”Do you think these are grammatical sentences?Hint: They all contain gerunds.

IntroductionThe answer, for all the sentences, is a resounding

'Yes!'Some facts about gerunds:1) They look like verbs with the 'ing' participle.2) Hence, they are called verbal nouns. 3) They can either be the subject or the object in a

sentence.4) They enhance the overall meaning of your

sentences.

More about GerundsGerund ends with 'ing' and can act as a sentence's

subject or object. Hence, gerund is often called a Verbal Noun as it has the form of a verb but functions as a noun.

Gerunds as Subjects:1) Swimming helps me to keep fit.2) Reading expands one's horizons. Gerunds as Objects:1) Peter loves jogging. 2) Dave loves watching movies.

Verbs and Gerunds Since a gerund looks like a verb, it is sometimes

confusing telling the two apart. To overcome this, determine whether the 'ing' participle is a modifier to an action (verb) or a subject/object (gerund)

Gerunds: Swimming is fun. / I love swimming. Verbs: She is swimming in a public pool. / He was

swimming when the skies turned dark.As easily seen, gerunds act as subjects/objects while

verbs convey actions (supported by auxiliary verbs 'is' and 'was' in the above examples).

Gerunds in actionWith a gerund, the subject/object takes on greater

emphasis; the 'action' behind the noun is clearer. 1) David accused his buddy James of stealing (gerund)2) David accused his buddy James of theft (noun)(The action stands out, emphasising the crime)1) It's no use regretting past actions. (gerund) 2) It's no use to regret past actions. (verb) (The action of regretting is highlighted by using a

gerund)

Gerunds in actionGerunds in a paragraph: 'Readers of science fiction expect to be exposed to

a world different than our own. However, certain physical rules and laws still apply in daily living and working life for a sense of credibility and coherence.'

In this case, the emphasis again, is on gerunds - living and working.

In summary

1) Gerunds are actually nouns and as such, they are able to take on roles as subjects or objects in a sentence.

2) As they incorporate verbs with 'ing' participle, they are able to better communicate the action behind the noun.

3) Gerunds can help to enliven your sentences by emphasising the actions.