English exercises about gerunds

1. Homework - Aline
Gerunds(ing) used as Subjects
 Gerunds are verbs that act like nouns. They are formed by adding ‘-ing’ to verbs. For example: swim → swimming
 Gerunds can come either before the main verb (when they are used as subjects)- remember the verb is singular,
or after the main verb in a sentence (when they are used as objects)
Instructions: Complete the sentences below by using the ‘-ing’ (gerund form) of the verbs in the list and a correct
form of be or have.
For example: Providing children with money for grades has a profound effect on their motivation.
sleep consume cook provide read sing talk cycle
fly drive sunbathe swim utilize earn acquire obtain
1. Consuming lots of fruits and vegetables is essential for overall well-being, so be sure to eat sufficient
amounts of produce!
2. Cooking nutritious food has a beneficial influence on our health, so learn this skill.
3. Obtaining high-paying careers has become increasingly difficult in the era of globalization.
4. Earning their own money is an effective way for young people to become more independent.
5. Cycling to work is a great and eco-friendly approach to commuting and exercising.
6. Reading books and magazines is helpful for students to accelerate learning English.
7. Swimming has many physical benefits, so don’t be afraid of the water!
8. Sleeping is an activity that all animals do. However, did you know that cats sleep for two-thirds of their lives?
9. Utilizing smart phones excessively has an adverse impact on interpersonal skills.
10. Acquiring knowledge about other people and cultures is fascinating.
11. Singing songs has become a popular hobby or pastime in Japan, so people love karaoke.
12. Drunk driving is a serious crime, so don’t get behind the wheel after having any alcohol.
13. Sunbathing has advantages, but always wear sunscreen when doing so.
14. Talking is not allowed in libraries because people are expected to be silent.
15. Flying has become the preferred mode for long-distance travel, so most people take airplanes to visit other
states or countries.

2. Gerunds (ing) after Prepositions
This is a good rule. It has very few exceptions! If we want to use a verb after a preposition, it
must be a gerund (ing) or a noun . It is impossible to use an infinitive after a preposition, except in a
few cases. So for example, we say:
 I will call you after arriving at the office.
 Students who are devoted to learning typically achieve the highest grades. to is the preposition
 I am looking forward to meeting you. to is the preposition
 Do you object to working late? to is the preposition
 Tara always dreams about marrying Leonardo Di Caprio.
Responsible for / Interested in / Dedicated to / Assist in / Focus on /
Succeed in / Prevent from / Think of / Talk about / Thank for
1. If students are interested in studying (study) human civilizations, they should get a degree in
anthropology.
2. If individuals focus on achieving (achieve) their goals, they are easier to fulfill due to this
concentration.
3. An umbrella prevent you from getting (get) wet in the rain.
4. People should thank their parents for supporting (support) them because their appreciation is a sign
of love and respect.
5. Teachers assist students in comprehending (comprehend) complex ideas by offering their
knowledge to help them.
6. Most professionals succeed in obtaining (obtain) high salaries if they are diligent.
7. Young people often like to talk about travelling (travel) to exotic destinations when they grow up,
so it’s frequently the topic of discussion.
8. Parents who are dedicated to raising (raise) their offspring typically have well-adjusted children
due to their devotion.
9. Soraya often think of running (run) away to Spain because she lived there in the past and can
imagine doing it again.
10. College students are responsible for managing (manage) their own schedules to complete their
assignments on time because their professors are not babysitters.