Gerunds
Gerunds in English: Learn how to form and use gerunds as nouns, including their function in sentences, after specific verbs, and in phrases. This module covers the basics of gerunds in English grammar.
Gerund form
A gerund is the -ing form of a verb used as a noun. In spelling, most verbs add -ing directly. Verbs ending in -e usually drop the final -e before adding -ing. One-syllable verbs with a single vowel and a final consonant often double the consonant before -ing.
| Rule |
|---|
 A gerund is formed by adding -ing to a verb. |
 Verbs ending in -e usually drop the -e and add -ing. |
 One-syllable verbs with a single vowel and a final consonant usually double the consonant and add -ing. |
Noun function
A gerund functions as a noun in a sentence. It can be the subject of a sentence. It can be the object of a verb or a preposition. It can also be a complement after linking verbs.
| Rule |
|---|
 A gerund can be the subject of a sentence. |
 A gerund can be the object of a verb. |
 A gerund can be the object of a preposition. |
 A gerund can be a complement after a linking verb. |
After verbs
Some verbs in English are usually followed by a gerund, not an infinitive. This pattern is a matter of verb choice, not meaning. The gerund acts as the object of the verb in these cases.
| Word/Phrase | Definition |
|---|---|
| enjoy |  This verb is usually followed by a gerund. |
| finish |  This verb is usually followed by a gerund. |
| avoid |  This verb is usually followed by a gerund. |
| consider |  This verb is usually followed by a gerund. |
| mind |  This verb is usually followed by a gerund. |
After prepositions
In English, a verb that follows a preposition is in the gerund form. This applies to prepositions in phrases and to prepositions after adjectives and nouns. The gerund is the object of the preposition.
| Rule |
|---|
 A verb after a preposition takes the -ing form. |
 This rule applies in prepositional phrases. |
Gerund phrases
A gerund phrase is a gerund with its object or modifiers. The whole phrase functions as a noun in the sentence. The internal structure is like a verb, but the phrase as a whole acts as a noun.
| Rule |
|---|
 A gerund phrase acts as a noun in a sentence. |
 A gerund phrase can include objects and modifiers. |
Summary
Gerunds are the -ing form used as nouns. They function as subjects, objects, and objects of prepositions. Some verbs select a gerund as their object, and prepositions are followed by a gerund in English.