Gerunds
A gerund is a noun formed from a verb by adding the
suffix
"ing". The following are all gerunds:
Examples:
 swimming /
running / drinking
Although a gerund is a noun, it can still take an object (like a verb).
This is known as a gerund complement.
Example:
Playing the
guitar is easier than it seems.
  
gerund
(gerund complement)
Gerunds look identical to present participles (adjectives
formed from verbs).
Examples:
Running
the tap will clear the air pocket. (gerund,
i.e., a noun)
Can you
fix the running tap? (participle, i.e., an adjective)
Interactive example:
|
I detest climbing
this rock. I had my first fall here. [show
me the gerund] |
See also:
Glossary of grammatical terms
|
