Gerund

/ˈdʒerənd/
noun

A form of a verb used as a noun. In English, it normally ends with -ing.

In the sentence 'Swimming is fun', 'swimming' is a gerund.
Visual representation of "gerund" - A form of a verb used as a noun. In English, it normally ends with -ing.

Often appears as...

  • function of gerund
  • gerund phrase

Usage tips

Academic

noun

A form of a verb used as a noun. In English, it normally ends with -ing.

In the sentence 'Swimming is fun', 'swimming' is a gerund.
Visual representation of "gerund" - A form of a verb used as a noun. In English, it normally ends with -ing.

Often appears as...

  • function of gerund
  • gerund phrase

Usage tips

Academic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "gerund"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Avoid Confusion

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

Illustration for Avoid Confusion
I am swimming (present participle), versus Swimming is relaxing (gerund).
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Always Actions

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

Illustration for Not Always Actions
In 'Thinking can be hard,' 'thinking' refers to an idea, not an action.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Versatility

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

Illustration for Versatility
Eating is necessary (subject), I enjoy eating (object).
LampPro Tip 1/3

Avoid Confusion

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

Illustration for Avoid Confusion
I am swimming (present participle), versus Swimming is relaxing (gerund).
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Always Actions

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

Illustration for Not Always Actions
In 'Thinking can be hard,' 'thinking' refers to an idea, not an action.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Versatility

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

Illustration for Versatility
Eating is necessary (subject), I enjoy eating (object).
LampPro Tip 1/3

Avoid Confusion

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

Illustration for Avoid Confusion
I am swimming (present participle), versus Swimming is relaxing (gerund).
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Always Actions

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

Illustration for Not Always Actions
In 'Thinking can be hard,' 'thinking' refers to an idea, not an action.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Versatility

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

Illustration for Versatility
Eating is necessary (subject), I enjoy eating (object).
Visual representation of the word "Gerund"

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Quote examples

E. F. Benson

English Novelist

All the teaching I had ever received had failed to make me apply such intelligence as I was possessed of, directly and vividly: there had never been any sunshine, as regards language, in the earlier grey days of learning, for the sky had always pelted with gerunds and optatives.
Portrait of E. F. Benson

Quote examples

E. F. Benson

English Novelist

All the teaching I had ever received had failed to make me apply such intelligence as I was possessed of, directly and vividly: there had never been any sunshine, as regards language, in the earlier grey days of learning, for the sky had always pelted with gerunds and optatives.
Portrait of E. F. Benson
Example 1 of 1
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