The Gerunds

GERUND is the “continuous form of a verb”.

Definition:A traditional grammatical term for a verbal that ends in -ing and functions as a noun. Adjective: gerundial.
A gerund (also known as an -ing form) with its objects, complements, and modifiers is called a gerund phrase or simply a noun phraseA gerund is that form of the verb which ends in –ing and has the force of a noun and a verb. 

Read these examples of gerunds:
Since Francisco was five years old, swimming has been his passion.
Swimming = subject of the verb has been.
Francisco's first love is swimming.
Swimming = subject complement of the verb is.
Francisco enjoys swimming more than spending time with his girlfriend Diana.
Swimming = direct object of the verb enjoys.
Francisco gives swimming all of his energy and time.
Swimming = indirect object of the verb gives.
When Francisco wore dive fins to class, everyone knew that he was devoted to swimming.
Swimming = object of the preposition to.


1. A gerund is used as the subject of a verb.Examples: • Smoking is prohibited here.
• Reading improves your knowledge.
• Running behind a running-car is dangerous.
• Walking alone is what he likes the most.
• Buying vegetables in that market is a difficult affair.
• Following others is not advisable.
You can easily see that the subjects in all these sentences are in gerund forms.


2. A gerund is used as an object of a verb.Examples:• Begin reading the book.
• I like going for a walk.
• They prefer buying online rather offline.


3. Object of a preposition.Examples:• My neighbor is good at breeding dogs.
• I am fond of eating sweets.
• Before entering the room, please remove your foot-wear.