10 Examples of Gerund Sentences

Gerund is a form of verb but used as a noun in English Language. Gerund is formed by adding ing to the main verb. Therefore, a verb ending in ing can operate as a gerund.

Gerund – Present Participle verb form

Usually, a learner may get confused Gerund with the Present Participle form of verb used in the Present Continuous Tense or Present Progressive.

Gerund or Verb

You can see the difference in using Present Participle form of verb as a verb(1) and as a noun (2) in the following examples.

1. “Reading” Functions as a verb - I am reading a book.
2. “Reading” Functions as a noun - Reading is a fascinating hobby.

In the first sentence, the Present Participle form of the verb read = reading, functions as a verb where the complete verb of Present Continuous sentence here is “am reading”. The verb “reading” here defines the action which is going on at the moment.

In the second sentence, “Reading” functions as a noun. In this sentence, “reading” is the subject and the verb is “is”. The activity of “reading” in this sentence is referred to as a “thing” or a “concept”.

The meaning of Gerund

The meaning of Gerund in linguistics is any form of a non-finite verb in a language that can be used as a noun.

Gerund in English is also popularly known as;

• Verbal Nouns
• Noun Verbs

Present Participle used as a Noun

Gerund Definition

The Present Participle Form of any action verb that functions as a noun is a gerund.

Let’s take a look at the different forms of any action verb to get this clarified.

Verb forms-

Gerund – Verb form

Gerund is formed as follows.

Gerund Examples

What is Gerund Phrase ?

A gerund along with its modifier, an object, or a complement is considered “gerund phrase”. Usually, the intended meaning is generated with the gerund along with its modifier.

Eg:- Gerund phrase is underlined in the following sentences.

• She loves playing classical tunes.
• Drinking alcohol is injurious to health.

Examples of Gerund Sentences

• Reading makes us knowledgeable.
• Running is a good physical exercise.
• I love playing guitar.
• I hate working long hours.

As you can see, these verbs do not do the job of a verb which is denoting the action in the sentence. Instead, this verb form does the job of a noun. Let’s analyze the following sentences to get a better idea.

You have “the dress” in the first sentence and “dress” is a noun.

In the second sentence, you can see that the noun “dress” is substituted by a verbal noun “reading books”.

Examples of Present Participle functioning as verbs in sentences

In the following examples, the ing form of the verb is used as a verb.

• I am eating an ice cream. - Present Continuous Tense
• I was reading a book when my father entered my room.- Past Continuous Tense
• Tomorrow I will be working at the shop at this time of the day. (Future Continuous Tense)

Different Functions of Verbal nouns

A gerund or a verbal noun can function as many important roles in a sentence. It can function as a subject, object, a complement (in the form of an adjective) or after a preposition.

Gerund - as a Subject Noun

Gerund - as an Object Noun

Gerund - as a Complement

Gerund - after a Preposition.

Examples of Gerund as a Subject Noun

• Playing cricket is an entertaining game.
• Studying hard makes you a confident learner.
• Planning is key to success.

Examples of Gerund as an Object Noun

• He did not like eating outside.
• Ketty loves staying here.
• Tony prefers going out for dinner.

Examples of Gerund as a Complement (In the form of an Adjective)

• My favourite hobby is making delicious cuisines.
• One of her mistakes was driving fast.
• The responsibility of a teacher is showing the right path to the students.

Examples of Gerund after a Preposition.

• He took a decision without informing anyone.
• I’m fed up of being treated like a baby.
• I’m sorry to keep you waiting for hours.
• I’m tired of waiting for you.
• She is good at playing the violin.
• I’m looking forward to meeting you.

Examples of Gerund without Prepositions – Special cases with few verbs.

• I gave up reading English books.
• She admitted telling lies.
• Do you enjoy cycling?
• I prefer drinking coffee.

Examples of Gerund Practical Usage

Smoking = Nouns talking about actions

Usage - Notices displayed in public.
Eg: -

• No smoking (Do not smoke here)
• No parking

Infinitive to and Gerund

Infinitive to is the form of verb created with the stem / main verb with the preposition “to” .

Both the verb forms used in “Gerund” and the “Infinitive to” are considered as incomplete verb (Non-finite). One can confuse Gerund in place of “infinitive to” vice versa.

You can examine how “gerund” is used in one sentence and “Infinitive to” in the other. It is important to notice the difference in the style of the sentence.