Identify gerunds and their functions

Key notes:

What is a Gerund?

• A gerund is a verb ending in -ing that acts as a noun.
• It can do many jobs in a sentence, just like a noun.

Examples:

• 🏃‍♂️ Running is fun.
• 🎨 I enjoy painting.
• 🍎 Eating healthy is important.

Functions of Gerunds

a) Gerund as a Subject 🟢

• The gerund comes at the start of a sentence and tells what the sentence is about.
• Example:
  • 🏊‍♀️ Swimming is my favourite sport.

b) Gerund as an Object 🔵

• The gerund acts as the object of a verb (receives the action).
• Example:
  • I love reading 📚 before bed.
  • They enjoy dancing 💃 at parties.

c) Gerund as an Object of a Preposition 🟠

• Gerunds can come after prepositions.
• Example:
  • She is good at drawing ✏️.
  • He is interested in learning 🌟 new skills.

d) Gerund as a Complement 🟣

• Sometimes a gerund completes the meaning of a verb like be.
• Example:
  • His hobby is gardening 🌿.
  • Her favourite activity is singing 🎤.

Tips to Identify Gerunds

1. Ends with -ing ✅
2. Functions like a noun (subject, object, or complement) 🏷️
3. Can be after prepositions 🌉

Quick Test:

• If you can replace the -ing word with a thing or activity, it’s probably a gerund.

Example:

• I enjoy swimming. → I enjoy the activity. ✅

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t confuse with present participles (which act as adjectives).
  • Gerund: I like swimming. (noun) 🏊
  • Participle: The swimming boy is fast. (adjective) 🏊‍♂️

Fun Tip

• Gerunds make sentences interesting and active.
• You can use them to express hobbies, likes, and activities easily!