Gerunds
Descubre qué son los gerundios, cómo se forman y cuándo usar las formas -ando, -iendo en español, con ejemplos y diferencias clave respecto al inglés.
Discover what gerunds are, how they are formed, and when to use the -ando and -iendo forms in Spanish, with examples and key differences from English.
Gerunds are verb forms ending in -ing that function as nouns, and they let you talk about actions in a general, abstract, or habitual way. This guide explains how gerunds work, when to use them, and common expressions.
Formation
A gerund is made by adding -ing to the base form of a verb, sometimes with spelling changes like doubling a final consonant or dropping a silent e. Gerunds look the same whether they act as a noun or form part of a continuous tense.
| Base Verb | Gerund | |
|---|---|---|
| run | running | |
| swim | swimming | |
| write | writing | |
| make | making | |
| sit | sitting |
El gerundio de 'write' es writing.
Functions
Gerunds can function as subjects, objects, complements, or after prepositions, and they allow you to treat an action as a thing. When a gerund is the subject, it makes the idea of the action general and uncountable.
Gerunds After Verbs
Some verbs are followed by a gerund when you want to talk about an activity or when the action functions as a noun. Common verbs that take a gerund include enjoy, avoid, consider, and suggest. Use a gerund after these verbs to describe the action in general.
Gerunds After Prepositions
When a verb follows a preposition, it normally takes the gerund form, which turns the action into a noun-like phrase. This makes it possible to use the action as the object of the preposition and keeps sentences smooth and natural.
Gerunds vs. Infinitives
Some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, but the meaning can change or certain expressions prefer one form. Generally, use a gerund after an action you actually do or enjoy, and use an infinitive to talk about purpose or potential. Learn which verbs pattern which way.
Gerund Phrases
A gerund phrase includes the gerund plus any modifiers, objects, or complements, and it functions as a unit noun in the sentence. Gerund phrases can appear as subjects, objects, or after prepositions, allowing you to pack detail about the activity into one phrase.
Nadar en el lago es una actividad favorita del verano.
Summary
Gerunds turn verbs into noun-like -ing forms that can serve as subjects, objects, or complements. Use a gerund after certain verbs, after prepositions, and when you want to talk about an action in general. Learn common patterns to know when to use a gerund versus an infinitive.
Suggested Reading
English File by Unknown (Oxford University Press series)
Practical English Usage by Michael Swan
English Grammar in Use by Raymond Murphy
English Grammar Workbook: Simple Grammar for Non-Native Speakers by SIMPLE English Language School
Essential Grammar in Use by Raymond Murphy
New Concept English by L. G. Alexander
Oxford Practice Grammar by Norman Coe, Mark Harrison & Ken Paterson
The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation by Jane Straus
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