What is a Gerund?
A gerund is a form of a verb ending in -ing that acts as a noun.
Examples of Gerunds and Gerund Phrases
Some examples of gerunds and gerund phrases would be the following:
Jenna’s favorite summer activity is surfing.
Jogging and weightlifting are two great ways to get in shape.
Paige detests listening to pop music.
Christopher has a bad habit of checking his phone during class.
Volunteering at the animal shelter is something I look forward to every weekend.
What to Know About Gerunds
Gerunds always end with “-ing” but be sure you don’t get them confused with participles. Participles also end in “-ing” but the way participles function is different. Gerunds are verb forms ending in “-ing” that act as nouns, and if gerunds act as nouns, that means they can function as different parts of a sentence. For example:
As a Subject
Exercising is my favorite hobby.
“Exercising” derives from the verb “to exercise,” and it becomes a gerund when we add “-ing” to it and use it as the subject of our sentence.
As a Direct Object
I enjoy eating.
“Eating” derives from the verb “to eat,” and it becomes a gerund when we add “-ing” to it and use it as the direct object of our sentence.
As an Object of a Preposition
I have a tendency of speaking over others.
“Speaking” derives from the verb “to speak,” and it becomes a gerund when we add “-ing” to it and use it as the object of the preposition “of” in our sentence.
Gerunds can be a complex topic to grasp, but once you walk through each step of how a gerund is formed (ie, verb form -> add “-ing” -> use it as a noun), you’ll have a better understanding of them. Also, be sure to use a possessive with a gerund in your writing, as many people don’t remember to do this.
When you’re ready to learn other verbals, be sure to explore participles and then infinitives!
Download a Free Worksheet on Gerunds and Gerund Phrases!
Click the image below to download your free worksheet on gerunds and gerund phrases!
Need a grammar program that provides the instruction and grading for you?
Explore More GrammarFlip Lessons!
Parts of Speech lessons provide the building blocks of grammar. GrammarFlip covers these topics in detail to ensure a solid foundation is built. First time learners and students seeking to review the parts of speech can both benefit from the instructional videos and slide show reviews.
Parts of the Sentence lessons are critical for understanding how the parts of speech function in language construction. From the basic to the advanced, these lessons will cover a wide range of grammar topics that can be used in any grade level or classroom.
Mechanics and Usage lessons equip students with the necessary skills to communicate clearly to all audiences. With a focus on the application of these concepts in student writing, these lessons tie together both simple constructions of grammar as well as the more complex such that any age or skill level of student will benefit.
