Gerund

Pro Tip 1/3

Avoid Confusion

Don't confuse gerunds with present participles, both end in -ing but serve different purposes.

I am swimming (present participle), versus Swimming is relaxing (gerund).

Pro Tip 2/3

Not Always Actions

While gerunds are verb-based, they don't always describe an action. Sometimes they name activities or ideas.

In 'Thinking can be hard,' 'thinking' refers to an idea, not an action.

Pro Tip 3/3

Versatility

Gerunds can act as subjects, objects, or complements, giving them versatile roles in sentences.

Eating is necessary (subject), I enjoy eating (object).