What is a Gerund?

A gerund is a noun made from a verb. To make a gerund, you add "-ing" to the verb.

For example:

In the sentence "I swim every day", the word "swim" is a verb.

In the sentence "I like swimming", the word "swimming" is a noun.

Therefore, "swimming" is a gerund.

Second example:

In the sentence "She reads several books a week", the word "read" is a verb.

In the sentence "Reading is important", the word "reading" is a noun.

Therefore, "reading" is a gerund.

More examples of gerunds: buying, fishing, running, watching, telling, and so forth.

The word "gerund" actually comes from the Latin word gerere, which means "do".

You could say this actually makes sense: the gerund describes an action, something you do.

Gerunds are often used when actions are real or completed.

Examples:

(Note how the main underlined verb relates to real or completed actions).

.    She stopped smoking.


.    I finished doing my homework.


.    They keep on fighting.


.    We discussed moving to Florida.


.    You recommended waiting until tomorrow.


.    He recalled falling asleep on the couch.


.    She practices playing those drums all the time.


.    John completed fixing the car.


.    The job involves dealing with animals.


.    Brian mentioned staying up late.


.    They suggested not keeping the luggage.


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