In this lesson we’re looking at forming Gerunds in English.
Basically speaking, gerunds are when we take a verb and transform it into a noun. We’re looking specifically at the methods to form gerunds, and some alternatives.
Have fun with the lesson, and don’t forget to try the quizzes by clicking on their links below
– James.
Lesson Contents
When do we use gerunds?
Gerunds are when we change a verb into a noun. Have a look at these examples:
I enjoy cooking.
(not “I enjoy cook.”)
Would you mind putting it in the bin?
(not “Would you mind put…”)
She suggested going to the beach.
(not “She suggested go…”)
Here is a list of verbs that are sometimes followed by a gerund :
admit / avoid / consider / deny / enjoy / fancy / finish / imagine / mind / postpone / risk / stop / suggest
Do you fancy going out tonight?
They denied stealing the car.
We’ll finish cleaning tonight.
He stopped working to write a book.
He has postponed moving house until July.
The negative form is NOT VERB+ING :
I don’t fancy going out tonight.
He doesn’t enjoy dancing.
Phrasal verbs with Gerunds
Verb+ING is also used after these phrasal verbs:
Give up (stop)
Put off (postpone)
Go on / Carry on (continue)
Keep on (do something repeatedly)
Have a look at a few examples:
She’s given up smoking.
We’ve put off having the wedding until July.
We’ll carry on working until 5pm.
They keep on annoying each other.
VERB + Object + Gerund
Have a look at these examples that follow the structure VERB + Object + Gerund:
I can’t imagine you climbing that mountain!
They can’t stop us parking here!
Sorry to keep you waiting so long.
Expressing finished actions
To express finished actions, we can use HAVING + past participle:
They admitted having stolen the car.
I regret having done that.
You can also replace HAVING + past participle with Verb+ING: (have a look at this lesson to learn more)
They admitted stealing the car.
I regret doing that.
Using THAT instead of Gerunds
Sometimes, we use THAT in a sentence instead of a gerund, have a look at how we form these sentences compared to gerunds:
They denied that they had stolen the car.
or
They denied stealing the car.
She suggested that we go out tonight.
or
She suggested going out tonight.
