Gerunds (-ing)

Gerunds are sometimes called "verbal nouns".

When a verb ends in -ing, it may be a gerund or a present participle. It is important to understand that they are not the same.

When we use a verb in -ing form more like a noun, it is usually a gerund:

• Fishing is fun.

When we use a verb in -ing form more like a verb or an adjective, it is usually a present participle:

• Anthony is fishing.
• I have a boring teacher.

In this lesson, we look at the different ways in which we use gerunds, followed by a quiz to check your understanding:

Many grammarians do not like to use the expression "gerund". That is because there is sometimes no clear difference between a gerund and a present participle.

• Gerunds as Subject, Object or Complement
• Gerunds after Prepositions
• Gerunds after Certain Verbs
• Gerunds in Passive Sense
• Gerunds Quiz