Gerunds
The gerund (verb + ing) is the present participle form of the
verb that is being used as a noun. It can be used as a
subject or an object.
- Swimming is good exercise. (subject)
- I like fishing. (direct object)
- She is tired of studying. (object of
prepositions "of")
Gerunds are frequently used after verbs. In some cases,
gerunds and infinitives may be used interchangeably.
Sometimes, the meaning changes depending upon whether a gerund
or infinitive is used. The following structures usually or
always use gerunds.
After preference verbs:
| hate |
abhor |
prefer |
like |
| loathe |
can't stand |
enjoy |
appreciate |
| dislike |
mind |
love |
|
- I dislike doing homework.
- I love eating chocolate.
- I can't stand hearing babies cry.
After verbs that show beginnings or endings:
| finish |
postpone |
put off |
| stop (= quit) |
delay |
start |
| quit |
avoid |
begin |
- He finished playing the piano.
- She stopped working in the yard.
- This means that she quit what she was doing.
After prepositions to name an action:
- Rachel is thinking about working.
- Bill got to the front of the line by pushing.
- After studying, I took a long break.
- I can't be blamed for trying.
After synonyms for some phrasal verbs:
- think about = consider
- She thought about majoring in psychology.
- She considered majoring in psychology.
- talk about = discuss
- She talks about taking a vacation.
- She discusses taking a vacation.
After idiomatic phrases with the preposition "to":
- BE accustomed to
- They are accustomed to sleeping late.
- BE opposed to
- Josiah is opposed to signing a treaty.
- BE used to
- I am used to working at the computer.
- GET accustomed to
- John got accustomed to stopping for coffee
each morning.
After a form of "go" to name an activity:
- They go boating on the weekends.
- I plan to go shopping on Saturday.
- They went bowling last week.
- I want to go dancing tonight.
As a subject or object to name an action:
- Exercising is good for a person.
- Studying can be difficult.
- He considered quitting his job.
After "remember" and "forget" when they refer to past
events:
- I remember seeing the Statue of Liberty for the
first time.
- This means I remember this event.
- I forgot meeting her at the fair.
- This means I, in fact, met her at the fair but forgot
about doing so.
After special expressions that follow HAVE:
- I had fun playing pool.
- They have a good time studying together.
- She has trouble learning formulas.
After "spend" and an expression of time:
- She spent last weekend sleeping.
- Harry spends hours sleeping in the sun.
After position verbs ("sit," "stand," "lie") followed by an
expression of place:
- She lay on her bed dreaming about vacation.
- Estella stood at the door talking to
Rufus.
After the idiomatic phrase "can't help":
- I can't help falling in love with you.
- I can't help wanting to change my life.
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