This document discusses gerunds, which are verbal nouns ending in "ing" that can function as subjects or objects in sentences. Gerunds look like verbs but act as nouns. The document provides examples of gerunds used as subjects and objects, and explains how gerunds emphasize the action behind a noun. It distinguishes gerunds from verbs and discusses how gerunds can enhance meaning compared to using nouns or verbs. Learning activities are included to help identify gerunds.

1. Grammar 101
Gerunds

2. Learning Objectives

To understand what Gerunds are and to avoid
the mistake of interpretating them as verbs.

To learn how to use Gerund in a sentence so as
to enhance its meaning.

3. Introduction

Read the following sentences and say whether
they are grammatical or not.
1) “She is practising speaking English for her
exams next week.”
2) “I wonder at his keeping calm.”
3) “All I can do is waiting.”
Q: Do you think these are grammatical sentences?
Hint: They all contain gerunds.

4. Introduction
The answer for all is a resounding 'Yes!'
Some facts about Gerunds:
1) They look like verbs with the 'ing' participle.
2) Hence, they are also called verbal nouns.
3) They can either be the subject or object in a
sentence.
4) They enhance the meaning of your sentences.
We will discuss these in detail.

5. Gerunds = Verbal Nouns
Gerund ends with 'ing' and can act as a sentence's
subject or object. Hence, gerund is often called
a Verbal Noun as it has the form of a verb but
functions as a noun.
Gerunds as Subjects:
1) Swimming helps me to keep fit.
2) Reading expands one's horizons.
Gerunds as Objects:
1) Peter loves jogging.
2) Dave loves watching movies.

6. Gerunds and Verbs
Since a gerund looks like a verb, it is sometimes
confusing telling the two apart. To overcome this,
determine whether the 'ing' participle is a modifier
to an action (verb) or a subject/object (gerund)
Gerunds: Swimming is fun. / I love swimming.
Verbs: She is swimming in a public pool. / He was
swimming when the skies turned dark.
As easily seen, gerunds act as subjects/objects while
verbs convey actions (supported by auxiliary verbs
'is' and 'was' in the above examples).

7. Gerunds in action
With a gerund, the subject/object takes on greater
emphasis; the 'action' behind the noun is clearer.
1) David accused James of stealing. (gerund)
2) David accused James of theft. (noun)
1) It's no use regretting past actions. (gerund)
2) It's no use to regret past actions. (verb)
The difference between using a Gerund ('stealing /
regretting') and a Noun ('theft') or a Verb ('to regret')
is clear – Gerunds can help readers imagine better
as it acts as a Verb AND a Noun!

8. Learning Activity
Spot the Gerunds in this paragraph:
'Readers of science fiction expect to be exposed to
a world different than our own. However,
certain physical rules and laws still apply in
daily living and working life for a sense of
credibility and coherence.'

9. Learning Activity Answers
Spot the Gerunds in this paragraph:
'Readers of science fiction expect to be exposed to
a world different than our own. However,
certain physical rules and laws still apply in
daily living and working life for a sense of
credibility and coherence.'
The Gerunds are 'living' and 'working'.

10. Discussion
1) What is a Gerund?
2) What are Gerunds used for?

11. In Summary
1) Gerunds are verbal nouns and they are able to
take on roles as subjects or objects in a
sentence.
2) As they have the 'ing' suffix – indicating action
– they are able communicate the action behind
the noun to enliven our sentences.