Gerund

What is Gerund? What is the use of a Gerund? Also, what is the difference between a gerund and an infinitive in the English Language Grammar? in this post, you can easily understand.

A gerund is a verbal noun in ‘ing form’ of the verb. We use gerund for the verbal nouns which are related to the experience of something goes in our mind.

Teachers and English Grammarians are not able to tell the difference between infinitive and gerund.

However, I have been able to find out with god’s grace.

An infinitive is used for task, goal, wish, purpose, etc.

A gerund is used for experience.

Examples of Gerund:

1. Swimming is a great exercise. – We know it because of experience.
2. Smoking kills. – again experience
3. Learning English with Suniltams English Guru is fun. – Experience

Present Participle versus Gerund

Present participle functions as an adjective however gerund functions as a noun.

I saw him reading – reading is a present participle.

Reading regularly enhances your knowledge. – Reading is a gerund.

They began playing. – Playing is a gerund.

I caught him playing. – Playing is a present participle.

I have been teaching English for long and I have found this way of teaching gerund very easy and graspable.

Students are able to understand this difference and we can understand this by sentences easily.

Do not get confused between infinitive, present participle and gerund.

• Infinitive – ‘Base form’ which looks like the first form functions as a noun.
• Present participle – ‘ing form’ of the verb functions as an adjective
• Gerund – ‘ing form’ for the verb functions as a noun.

I like to go. – go is infinitive

I like going to Mumbai – Going is Gerund

She keeps coming here. – Coming is Gerund

Some more examples of Gerund

1. He is fond of fishing.
2. She is good at swimming.
3. He is too afraid of losing.
4. I am tired of arguing.
5. I felt cold after swimming.
6. There is no point in arguing now.
7. I am sorry for telling you all this.
8. Are you not interested in making money?
9. We do not care for standing in the queues.
10. We are looking forward to meeting you.
11. I am used to teaching by heart.
12. He has given up smoking since long.
13. I am accustomed to smoking.
14. He admitted to taking the bribe.
15. We dread getting old.
16. He kept crying.
17. I dislike standing here.
18. He insisted on my reading the letter.
19. Please forgive my calling you so early.
20. I indeed appreciate your giving me so much of your time.

There is nothing much about gerund. Keep it simple and understand it as a name of activity which refers to the experience in past or present. However, a gerund is only used for experience.

Thanks for learning with me. If you have any questions and comments about this post, leave me an email at [email protected].

Regards,
Suniltams English Guru

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