When learning English grammar, one important concept to understand is the use of gerunds. Gerunds are verb forms that function as nouns in sentences. They are created by adding the suffix “-ing” to the base form of a verb. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive introduction to English gerund sentences for beginners, including their definition, formation, and usage. We will also provide examples and explanations to help you grasp this concept effectively.
Definition of Gerunds
A gerund is a verb form that functions as a noun in a sentence. It is derived from a verb by adding the suffix “-ing.” Gerunds are often used to refer to actions or activities, and they can serve various grammatical roles, such as subjects, objects, or complements.
Formation of Gerunds
To form a gerund, you simply add the suffix “-ing” to the base form of a verb. For regular verbs, the base form is the same as the infinitive form without the word “to.” However, irregular verbs have unique base forms that do not follow a set pattern.
Examples of gerunds formed from regular verbs:
Base Verb: walk
Gerund: walking
Base Verb: talk
Gerund: talking
Base Verb: read
Gerund: reading
Examples of gerunds formed from irregular verbs:
Base Verb: go
Gerund: going
Base Verb: swim
Gerund: swimming
Base Verb: run
Gerund: running
Usage of Gerunds in Sentences
Gerunds can be used in various ways in English sentences. Let’s explore their different usages and provide examples for better comprehension.
Gerunds as Subjects:
Gerunds can function as the subject of a sentence, performing the role of a noun. Here are a few examples:
Jogging is good for your health.
Singing brings joy to my heart.
Dancing requires practice and dedication.
In these examples, the gerunds “jogging,” “singing,” and “dancing” are the subjects of the sentences.
Gerunds as Objects:
Gerunds can also act as objects in a sentence, either as direct objects or as objects of prepositions.
a. Direct Objects:
In the following examples, the gerunds function as direct objects, receiving the action of the verb:
She enjoys playing the piano.
They dislike studying for exams.
I love watching movies.
In these sentences, the gerunds “playing,” “studying,” and “watching” are the direct objects.
b. Objects of Prepositions:
Gerunds can be used as objects of prepositions, following prepositions and completing the meaning of the sentence:
I am interested in learning new languages.
They talked about going on a vacation.
She apologized for being late.
In these sentences, the gerunds “learning,” “going,” and “being” are objects of prepositions.
Gerunds as Complements:
Gerunds can also function as subject complements or object complements, providing additional information about the subject or object of a sentence.
a. Subject Complements:
In the following examples, the gerunds serve as subject complements, describing or renaming the subject:
Her favorite hobby is painting.
The most challenging part is solving the puzzle.
His passion is cooking.
Here, the gerunds “painting,” “solving,” and “cooking” are subject complements.
b. Object Complements:
Gerunds can also act as object complements, providing additional information about the direct object of a sentence:
She considers him her mentor.
We elected him the team captain.
They named the baby Lucy.
In these sentences, the gerunds “considering,” “electing,” and “naming” are object complements.
Gerunds in Verb Patterns:
Gerunds are often used in specific verb patterns, where certain verbs are followed by gerunds. Here are a few examples:
She enjoys swimming in the ocean.
They admitted to cheating on the test.
He stopped smoking last year.
In these sentences, the verbs “enjoy,” “admit,” and “stop” are followed by gerunds.
Common Mistakes with Gerunds
While using gerunds, it’s essential to be aware of some common mistakes that learners often make. Here are a few examples:
Incorrect: I enjoy to play tennis.
Correct: I enjoy playing tennis.
Incorrect: He suggested to go for a walk.
Correct: He suggested going for a walk.
Incorrect: She admitted of stealing the money.
Correct: She admitted to stealing the money.
These examples demonstrate the correct usage of gerunds and highlight common errors to avoid.
In conclusion, gerunds are verb forms that function as nouns in sentences. They are formed by adding the suffix “-ing” to the base form of a verb. Gerunds can be used as subjects, objects, complements, and in verb patterns. Understanding the proper usage of gerunds is crucial for constructing grammatically correct English sentences. By studying examples and practicing their application, beginners can develop a solid foundation in using gerunds effectively in their communication.
Quick quiz
Exercise 1:
Identify the gerund in the following sentence:
“I enjoy _ to the beach on sunny days.”
A) going
B) go
C) goes
D) went
Answer: A) going
Explanation: In this sentence, the gerund is “going,” which functions as the direct object of the verb “enjoy.” The correct answer is A) going.
Exercise 2:
Choose the correct gerund form to complete the sentence:
“He admitted _ about the situation.”
A) lie
B) lied
C) to lie
D) lying
Answer: D) lying
Explanation: The correct answer is D) lying. The verb “admitted” is followed by the gerund form of the verb “lie” to indicate the action being admitted.
Exercise 3:
Identify the role of the gerund in the following sentence:
“Swimming is a great form of exercise.”
A) Subject
B) Direct Object
C) Object of Preposition
D) Subject Complement
Answer: A) Subject
Explanation: In this sentence, the gerund “swimming” serves as the subject of the sentence, indicating the action being discussed.
Exercise 4:
Choose the correct gerund phrase to complete the sentence:
“She apologized for _ late.”
A) be
B) being
C) is
D) to be
Answer: B) being
Explanation: The correct answer is B) being. The preposition “for” is followed by the gerund form of the verb “be” to express the reason or cause for the apology.
Exercise 5:
Identify the object complement in the following sentence:
“They named him _ the team captain.”
A) be
B) being
C) to be
D) as
Answer: D) as
Explanation: In this sentence, the gerund phrase “being the team captain” acts as the object complement, providing additional information about the direct object “him” and explaining his role.
Exercise 6:
Choose the correct gerund form to complete the sentence:
“She can’t help _ chocolate.”
A) eat
B) eating
C) to eat
D) ate
Answer: B) eating
Explanation: The correct answer is B) eating. The verb phrase “can’t help” is followed by the gerund form of the verb “eat” to indicate an uncontrollable action or desire.
Exercise 7:
Identify the gerund phrase in the following sentence:
“I am interested in _ new languages.”
A) I am
B) interested
C) in new languages
D) in
Answer: C) in new languages
Explanation: In this sentence, the gerund phrase “in new languages” functions as the object of the preposition “interested,” providing additional information about what the person is interested in.
Exercise 8:
Choose the correct gerund form to complete the sentence:
“He dreams of _ a famous singer one day.”
A) become
B) becomes
C) becoming
D) to become
Answer: C) becoming
Explanation: The correct answer is C) becoming. The verb “dreams of” is followed by the gerund form of the verb “become” to express the person’s aspiration or desire.
Exercise 9:
Identify the gerund in the following sentence:
“We enjoy _ board games with friends.”
A) enjoy
B) playing
C) board games
D) with friends
Answer: B) playing
Explanation: In this sentence, the gerund is “playing,” which functions as the direct object of the verb “enjoy.” It indicates the activity that brings enjoyment.
Exercise 10:
Choose the correct gerund form to complete the sentence:
“They discussed _ a new project.”
A) starting
B) start
C) started
D) to start
Answer: A) starting
Explanation: The correct answer is A) starting. The verb “discussed” is followed by the gerund form of the verb “start” to indicate the topic of discussion.
Originally posted 2023-07-18 23:42:35.