Gerunds Gerunds and infinitives can function as NOUNS

Gerunds

Gerunds and infinitives can function as: NOUNS (subjects, objects, subject complements) As subjects, they take a singular verb. Only Gerunds can be object of the preposition.

To form gerunds, use the base form + ing (don’t’ forget the rules for spelling of ing form of verbs) I enjoy learning English To form negative gerunds, use not + gerund Not speaking English well is my biggest problem in this country.

Gerunds used as subject of the sentence. Dancing is fun.

Gerunds used as objects He enjoys working with children.

Verbs that take only Gerunds • • • Appreciate Avoid Delay Deny Discuss Dislike Enjoy Excuse Finish understand • • • Keep Mention Mind Miss Postpone Quit Recall Recommend Resent suggest

Gerunds used as object of the preposition I am thinking about taking the children to Mexico.

Common preposition combinations followed by gerunds • Be excited about, complain about, talk about, think about, worry about • Apologize for, blame for, famous for • Believe in, interested in, succeed in • Take care of, instead of, be accused of • Insist on, count on, concentrate on • Keep from, prevent from, profit from • In addition to, look forward to, be used to

By + gerund You get good grades by studying hard. go + gerund Recreational activities: camping, dancing, sightseeing, swimming, skiing, fishing, jogging, I will go fishing with you tomorrow.

Some expressions are used with gerunds Be busy, can’t help, have fun, it’s no use, it’s not worth

Gerunds can occur in the perfect form but not in the progressive form having done It is used to indicate that the activity is in the past We appreciate having heard her sing.

A gerund can be used in the passive form I dislike being told a lie.

The End!