A Gerund is an -ing form of the verb that acts as noun. As a noun, the gerund can perform all the functions of a noun.
The Gerund is formed by adding –ing to the main verb.
•Example: run + -ing = running
When you use the gerund by itself, without other verbs, it acts as noun.
•Examples: He is running in the marathon. (is running is the main verb – notice that the –ing verb form has a verb form beside it – is).
Running in a marathon is difficult. (running has no other verb beside it; therefore, it is NOT the main verb. Is is the main verb. Running in a marathon acts as the subject of the sentence and is, therefore, a gerund.
Remember: when an –ing form of the verb stands alone (with no other verb connecting), it is either a present participle or a gerund (see participles). To tell the difference between the two, remove the –ing form from the sentence. If a complete sentence remains, the form is a participle (because you can usually remove an adjective form without damaging the sentence). If the sentence collapses, the form is a gerund (you can’t remove a noun from a sentence without damaging the sentence).
*Examples: Running with a sharp object is dangerous. Cover the –ing phrase. is dangerous is not a sentence. This example is therefore a gerund (functioning as the subject of the sentence).
Running with a sharp object, Sarah fell and cut herself. Cover the –ing phrase. Sarah fell and cut herself is a complete sentence. This example is therefore a participle (describing Sarah).
Notice: Don’t be confused by gerunds. Remember, they are simply nouns. They do exactly what nouns do: subject, direct object, indirect object, object of the preposition, predicate nominative.
1. Swimming is fun. (subject of the sentence).
2. Swimming in the ocean is tiring. (gerund phrase is the subject of the sentence).
3. Fred enjoys laughing at movies. (direct object).
4. Tammy gives practicing the violin priority in her day. (indirect object).
5. By leaving before the last song, you can be home in time. (object of the preposition).
6. Tim’s favorite hobby is kayaking. (predicate nominative).
NOTICE: When you begin a sentence with a gerund phrase, you don’t use a comma (like you do with a participial phrase). Usually, the gerund at the beginning of the sentence will be the subject, so you don’t want to separate the subject from its verb (unless you use two or more commas. See Punctuation).
•Examples:
Running down the hill is fun in the autumn.
Flying upside down can make you sick.
Throwing a football correctly takes practice.
Practice Exercises for Gerunds and Gerund Phrases