Chapter 16: Gerund – What's It, Where to Apply, How to Apply, and Avoid Mistakes with Suitable Examples

Abstract: 

A gerund is the "-ing" form of a verb functioning as a noun, and can act as subject, object, or object of a preposition. Here's a breakdown of what it is, how to use it, and some common mistakes to avoid: 

What is a Gerund?

• Definition: A gerund is a verb form ending in "-ing" that acts as a noun. 
• Function: Gerunds can be the subject, object, or object of a preposition in a sentence. 
• Examples:
  • "Swimming is my favorite exercise." (Subject) 
  • "I love dancing." (Object) 
  • "He is good at singing." (Object of preposition "at") 

How to Use Gerunds

• Forming Gerunds: Simply add "-ing" to the base form of the verb. 
• Gerund Phrases: A gerund phrase is a gerund along with any modifiers or objects it takes. 
  • Example: "Playing the guitar is relaxing." (Gerund phrase: "playing the guitar") 
• Common Mistakes:
  • Using "me" instead of "my" before a gerund: "If me being here bothers you..." is incorrect; use "If my being here bothers you...". 
  • Confusing gerunds with present participles: Gerunds act as nouns, while present participles act as adjectives or verbs. 
    • Example: "Running is good exercise." (Gerund) vs. "The running dog..." (Present participle) 

Examples of Gerunds in Sentences

• Subject:
  • "Reading is a great way to relax."
  • "Learning new things is important."
• Object:
  • "I enjoy swimming."
  • "She finished writing the report."
• Object of Preposition:
  • "He is interested in painting."
  • "I am good at playing the piano."
• Gerund Phrases:
  • "Going to the beach is my favorite summer activity."
  • "I love listening to music while I work." 

So let's dive deeper into the Chapter 16: Gerund – What's It, Where to Apply, How to Apply, and Avoid Mistakes with Suitable Examples

16.1 Introduction to Gerund

A gerund is a verb form that ends in -ing and functions as a noun in a sentence. While it looks like a verb (because of the -ing form), it does not act as a verb; instead, it can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.

Examples of Gerunds in Sentences:

1. Swimming is a great exercise. (Gerund as subject)

2. I enjoy reading books. (Gerund as object)

3. His favorite hobby is painting. (Gerund as complement)

16.2 Where to Apply Gerunds

Gerunds can be used in various sentence structures, depending on their function. Below are the primary places where gerunds are commonly applied:

16.2.1 As the Subject of a Sentence

A gerund can act as the subject of a sentence, performing the action in a noun-like manner.

• Examples:

  • Dancing is my passion.

  • Jogging every morning keeps me healthy.

16.2.2 As the Object of a Verb

Gerunds often follow specific verbs as their object. Some verbs that are followed by gerunds include enjoy, avoid, consider, admit, suggest, finish, practice, and dislike.

• Examples:

  • She enjoys playing the piano.

  • He avoids eating junk food.

  • I consider moving to another city.

16.2.3 As the Object of a Preposition

Gerunds are commonly used after prepositions. This is a crucial rule—verbs that follow prepositions must be in gerund form.

• Examples:

  • She is good at painting.

  • They talked about starting a new business.

  • He left without saying goodbye.

16.2.4 As the Complement of a Sentence

A gerund can also act as a complement (a part of the sentence that provides more information about the subject).

• Examples:

  • His biggest fear is failing.

  • My favorite activity is cooking.

16.3 How to Apply Gerunds Correctly

Using gerunds correctly requires understanding their placement and the verbs that allow gerund usage.

16.3.1 List of Common Verbs Followed by Gerunds

Many verbs are followed by gerunds instead of infinitives. Here are some common ones:

Verbs Followed by Gerunds	Example Sentences
Admit	She admitted cheating on the test.
Avoid	He avoids driving at night.
Consider	We considered moving abroad.
Enjoy	They enjoy playing chess.
Finish	She finished writing her report.
Keep	He keeps talking during class.
Mind	Do you mind waiting a little?
Practice	She practices playing the guitar.
Suggest	He suggested going to the park.

16.3.2 Using Gerunds with Prepositions

Gerunds are necessary after prepositions. It is incorrect to use an infinitive after a preposition.

• Correct: He is interested in learning new languages.

• Incorrect: He is interested in to learn new languages.

16.3.3 Using Gerunds in Phrases and Expressions

Gerunds appear in several common expressions:

• It’s no use arguing with her.

• I can’t help laughing at his joke.

• I look forward to meeting you.

• She is busy preparing for the test.

16.4 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many learners make mistakes when using gerunds. Below are some common errors and their corrections.

16.4.1 Mistake: Using an Infinitive Instead of a Gerund

• Incorrect: I enjoy to swim.

• Correct: I enjoy swimming.

16.4.2 Mistake: Using a Gerund Instead of an Infinitive

• Some verbs require an infinitive instead of a gerund.

• Incorrect: He decided going to college.

• Correct: He decided to go to college.

16.4.3 Mistake: Forgetting the Preposition

• Incorrect: She is good play the piano.

• Correct: She is good at playing the piano.

16.4.4 Mistake: Using a Gerund After Certain Verbs that Require Infinitives

Some verbs take the infinitive instead of the gerund.

Verb Requiring Infinitive	Example Sentence
Agree	He agreed to help us.
Decide	She decided to leave early.
Hope	I hope to travel soon.
Plan	They plan to build a house.

• Incorrect: He decided going home early.

• Correct: He decided to go home early.

16.5 Conclusion

Gerunds are versatile and essential in English grammar. They function as nouns while maintaining verb-like characteristics. Understanding where and how to apply gerunds enhances fluency and correctness in writing and speaking. Avoiding common mistakes ensures effective communication.

By mastering gerunds, learners can improve their command of English and express themselves more naturally.