Gerund

What is a Gerund? – Definition

A gerund is a verbal noun that is formed by adding -ing to a verb. It functions as a noun in a sentence, allowing the action of the verb to be treated as a subject, object, or complement.

Gerund

Generated Gerund Examples

Gerund Examples

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Examples of Gerund

  • gesture Running is a great way to stay healthy. edit content_copy
  • brush Swimming helps improve cardiovascular fitness. edit content_copy
  • create Reading expands your knowledge and vocabulary. edit content_copy
  • school Writing helps clarify your thoughts. edit content_copy
  • keyboard Typing quickly is essential for this job. edit content_copy
  • code Coding can be both challenging and rewarding. edit content_copy
  • music_note Playing the piano requires practice. edit content_copy
  • camera_alt Photographing sunsets is a popular hobby. edit content_copy
  • local_cafe Drinking coffee in the morning energizes me. edit content_copy
  • flight Flying high above the clouds is exhilarating. edit content_copy
  • fitness_center Lifting weights builds muscle strength. edit content_copy
  • palette Painting landscapes allows for creative expression. edit content_copy
  • restaurant Cooking new recipes is a fun and rewarding activity. edit content_copy
  • book Reading novels enhances your vocabulary and comprehension. edit content_copy
  • palette Drawing detailed sketches improves artistic skills. edit content_copy
  • movie Filming documentaries requires meticulous planning. edit content_copy
  • sports_esports Gaming competitively demands quick reflexes and strategy. edit content_copy
  • directions_bike Biking through the countryside offers a sense of freedom. edit content_copy
  • travel_explore Traveling abroad broadens your cultural horizons. edit content_copy
  • brush Crafting handmade jewelry requires patience and creativity. edit content_copy
  • palette Singing in the choir brings joy to both the singer and the audience. edit content_copy
  • language Learning new languages opens up numerous opportunities. edit content_copy
  • fitness_center Exercising regularly promotes overall well-being. edit content_copy
  • restaurant Dining out with friends strengthens social bonds. edit content_copy
  • brush Designing websites combines creativity with technical skills. edit content_copy
  • movie Directing films allows artists to bring their visions to life. edit content_copy
  • sports_esports Competing in tournaments tests your gaming skills. edit content_copy
  • directions_bike Cycling to work is an eco-friendly transportation method. edit content_copy
  • travel_explore Exploring new cultures broadens your perspective. edit content_copy
  • palette Painting murals adds vibrant colors to public spaces. edit content_copy

Types of Gerund

Subject Gerund

A gerund that acts as the subject of a sentence.

  • check_circle Swimming is fun. edit content_copy
  • check_circle Reading improves your knowledge. edit content_copy
  • check_circle Cooking requires patience. edit content_copy
  • check_circle Writing is a valuable skill. edit content_copy
  • check_circle Jogging keeps you fit. edit content_copy

Object Gerund

A gerund that functions as the object of a verb in a sentence.

  • check_circle She enjoys painting. edit content_copy
  • check_circle They discussed traveling abroad. edit content_copy
  • check_circle He avoids eating late at night. edit content_copy
  • check_circle We appreciate your helping us. edit content_copy
  • check_circle They considered moving to a new city. edit content_copy

Complement Gerund

A gerund that serves as a complement to a linking verb, providing more information about the subject.

  • check_circle Her favorite hobby is gardening. edit content_copy
  • check_circle His passion became teaching. edit content_copy
  • check_circle Their main concern was losing the game. edit content_copy
  • check_circle My goal is improving my writing skills. edit content_copy
  • check_circle Their achievement was completing the marathon. edit content_copy

Objective Gerund

A gerund that functions as the object of a preposition in a sentence.

  • check_circle She is interested in learning new languages. edit content_copy
  • check_circle They talked about traveling together. edit content_copy
  • check_circle He apologized for being late. edit content_copy
  • check_circle We are committed to improving our services. edit content_copy
  • check_circle They succeeded in winning the competition. edit content_copy

Possessive Gerund

A gerund preceded by a possessive noun or pronoun, indicating ownership of the action.

  • check_circle John’s running keeps him fit. edit content_copy
  • check_circle Their singing fills the room with joy. edit content_copy
  • check_circle Her painting is displayed in the gallery. edit content_copy
  • check_circle Our traveling has been postponed. edit content_copy
  • check_circle Their cooking delights everyone at the party. edit content_copy

Objective Complement Gerund

A gerund that serves as an objective complement, providing more information about the object.

  • check_circle She found his singing delightful. edit content_copy
  • check_circle They consider him studying abroad necessary. edit content_copy
  • check_circle We elected her leading the team. edit content_copy
  • check_circle They made him acting in the play his duty. edit content_copy
  • check_circle I consider swimming daily essential for my health. edit content_copy

How to Identify/Find Gerund?

To identify a gerund, look for words ending in -ing that function as nouns within a sentence. They can act as subjects, objects, or complements.

  • search Identify words ending with -ing used as nouns.
  • highlight Check if the -ing word is acting as a subject, object, or complement.
  • compare Determine if the -ing word refers to an action or activity.
  • visibility Look for sentences where the -ing word replaces a noun.
  • layers Observe if the -ing word can be preceded by possessive nouns or pronouns.

How to Use Gerund?

Use gerunds to add variety and depth to your writing by incorporating actions as nouns. They can help create more engaging and dynamic sentences.

  • create Incorporate gerunds as subjects to emphasize actions.
  • brush Use gerunds as objects to diversify sentence structures.
  • build Apply gerunds in complements to add descriptive detail.
  • lightbulb Combine gerunds with other grammatical elements for complex sentences.
  • update Balance gerunds with other noun forms to maintain readability.

Other Gerund Examples

Gerund in Daily Writing

Everyday writing can utilize gerunds to enhance sentence structure and clarity.

  • check_circle I enjoy reading books in my free time. edit content_copy
  • check_circle Swimming helps me relax after a long day. edit content_copy
  • check_circle Cooking dinner is something I look forward to. edit content_copy
  • check_circle Writing essays improves my critical thinking skills. edit content_copy
  • check_circle Jogging every morning keeps me energized. edit content_copy

Gerund Examples for Kids

Introduce children to gerunds with simple and relatable examples that demonstrate their usage.

  • check_circle I love playing with my friends. edit content_copy
  • check_circle Reading stories before bed is fun. edit content_copy
  • check_circle Drawing pictures makes me happy. edit content_copy
  • check_circle Building sandcastles is exciting. edit content_copy
  • check_circle Flying kites on a windy day is enjoyable. edit content_copy

Gerund Examples for Students

Provide students with examples that showcase the versatility and importance of gerunds in academic writing.

  • check_circle Using gerunds effectively can enhance the flow of your essays. edit content_copy
  • check_circle Incorporating gerunds allows for more dynamic sentence structures. edit content_copy
  • check_circle Mastering gerunds is essential for advanced grammatical proficiency. edit content_copy
  • check_circle Analyzing gerund usage can improve your analytical writing skills. edit content_copy
  • check_circle Understanding gerunds contributes to clearer and more precise communication. edit content_copy

Gerund Examples for Class 4

Age-appropriate and engaging gerund examples for younger students to grasp the concept easily.

  • check_circle I love playing with my toys. edit content_copy
  • check_circle Drawing pictures is fun. edit content_copy
  • check_circle Flying kites makes me happy. edit content_copy
  • check_circle Swimming in the pool is refreshing. edit content_copy
  • check_circle Baking cookies is delicious. edit content_copy

Explore Other Literary Devices

emoji_objects Allegory format_quote Alliteration insert_comment Allusion swap_horiz Analogy repeat Anaphora info Anecdote whatshot Antagonist arrow_forward Antecedent swap_vert Antithesis star Archetype music_note Assonance beenhere Cliché record_voice_over Colloquialism verified Content Validity edit Context launch Deus ex Machina language Diction music_off Dissonance loop Double Entendre clear Double Negative comment Epigram input Epilogue repeat_one Epistrophe badge Epithet healing Euphemism event_note Exposition warning Fallacy brush Figurative Language gesture Figure of Speech history Flashback face Foil Character block Gaslighting gesture Gerund gesture Gerund Phrase note Haiku warning Hamartia flash_on Hyperbole gesture Idiom image Imagery sentiment_neutral Irony code Jargon gesture Asyndeton music_note Limerick thumb_down Litotes favorite_border Love Language directions Metonymy sentiment_neutral Mood compare Non sequiturs music_note Onomatopoeia sports_martial_arts Oxymoron speed Pacing autorenew Paradox swap_calls Parallel Structure repeat Parallelism sentiment_satisfied Pathos sync Peripeteia person Persona emoji_nature Personification timeline Plot visibility Point of View campaign Propaganda person_outline Protagonist tag_faces Pun repeat_one Repetition forum Rhetorical Context emoji_emotions Rizz mood_bad Sarcasm sentiment_dissatisfied Satire place Setting gesture Simile gesture Homonym subject Simple Subject gesture Gerund music_video Story Beat subtitles Subplot textsms Subtext gesture Symbolism directions_boat Synecdoche style Theme volume_up Tone

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the full meaning of gerund?

    A gerund is a verbal noun that ends in -ing and functions as a noun within a sentence, serving as a subject, object, or complement.
  • What is a gerund vs present participle?

    Both gerunds and present participles end in -ing, but gerunds function as nouns, while present participles act as adjectives or form continuous verb tenses.
  • What is an example of a gerund?

    A common example is “Swimming is my favorite hobby,” where “Swimming” functions as the subject of the sentence.
  • What is the synonym of gerund?

    There isn’t a direct synonym for gerund, but terms like “verbal noun” or “noun derived from a verb” are closely related.
  • Is gerund good or bad?

    Gerunds are neither inherently good nor bad; they are a grammatical tool used to add variety and depth to sentences by turning actions into nouns.
  • Who coined the term gerund?

    The term “gerund” comes from the Latin word “gerundium.” Its usage in English grammar was established through the study of Latin and traditional grammar rules.