Gerunds Examples

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Gerunds - Glossary of Terms


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]
 
Associated pages:
 
Glossary of grammatical terms
 
  

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