A gerund is a verb form ending in "-ing" that functions as a noun. Gerunds can be used as subjects, objects of verbs, and objects of prepositions. Certain verbs like "enjoy", "quit", and "appreciate" take gerund objects. The verb "go" is often followed by a gerund phrase like "go shopping". Special expressions like "have fun", "spend time", and "have trouble" can also be followed by gerunds to express how an action is performed.

1. Gerunds
ESOL 0352
Holly Cin
Fall 2016

2. What is a gerund?
Although a gerund looks like the –ing verb, you need to
understand that a gerund is a NOUN! We can
substitute the gerund with the word “it” or “something.”
Verb Gerund
talk talking (it)
skate skating (it)
drive driving (it)
travel traveling (it)

3. Functions of Gerunds
 Because gerunds are nouns, they can be used just as nouns are used.
HOW ARE NOUNS USED?
1. Gerunds are subjects
 Example: Skiing is a popular winter sport.
2. Gerunds are objects of verbs
 Example: I love skiing.
3. Gerunds are objects of prepositions
 Example: I can’t live without skiing!
 I’m interested in skiing.
 Let’s talk about skiing.
 I’m afraid of skiing.

4. Gerunds follow certain verbs
as objects
Enjoy, quit (give up), appreciate,
mind, finish, stop (quit), avoid,
postpone, delay, keep, keep on,
consider, discuss, mention,
suggest

5. Examples
 Sohaib doesn’t enjoy traveling.
 Bader wants Jafar to quit smoking.
 Would you mind opening the door for me?
 You have to finish working by 5 p.m. tonight.
 Don’t avoid paying your bills.
 Keep moving! Don’t stop!
 I kept on speaking even after my mother hung up
the phone on me.
 Would you consider staying for a while?

6. Go + Gerund
 Did you go shopping?
 We went fishing yesterday.
 Have you ever gone camping?
 Do you like to go hunting?
 Let’s go skating this weekend.
 My kids and I love to go swimming.

7. Using By to Express
How Something is Done
 By + gerund is used (by us) to express how something
is done.
How do you improve your speaking? BY SPEAKING!
How do you improve your writing? BY WRITING!
How do you improve your reading? BY READING!
How do you improve your listening? BY LISTENING!

8. Special expressions
followed by gerunds
 Have fun
 What do you have fun doing?
 Have a good time
 I had a good time hanging out with my friends.
 Spend time
 Many guys enjoy spending time playing video games.
 Waste time
 Let’s not waste time reviewing material that you already know.
 Have trouble
 Some people have trouble adapting to new situations.

9. Special expressions followed
by gerunds
 Have difficulty
 Are you having difficulty staying awake today?
 Have a hard time
 Is anyone having a hard time understanding what I’m saying here?
 Have a difficult time
 I hope that nobody has a difficult time passing level 5!