Sam An Teng
A gerund is verbal which is formed by adding -ing to the verb; though it looks like a verb, it functions as a noun.
For examples,
- Reading is my favourite.
- I love reading.
Functions of gerunds
As a noun, gerunds can function as subjects, subject complements, direct objects, indirect objects, and objects of prepositions.
a. subjects ( standing at the beginning of the sentence)
For examples,
- Flying makes me nervous.
- Growing cereal crops is more profitable now.
b. subject complements ( standing after verb to be and modifying subject.)
For examples,
- What he likes is drinking.
- His main duty is researching the customer perception.
c. direct objects
For examples,
- I enjoy running.
- They do not appreciate my singing.
Usually direct objects standing after these verbs: dislike,admit, advise*, anticipate, appreciate, avoid, begin*, can’t bear, can't help, complete, consider, continue*, delay, deny, discuss, detest, enjoy, escape, excuse, finish, forbid, forget*, get through, hate, imagine, mention, mind, miss, permit, postpone, practice, prefer*, quit, recall, report, resent, resist, resume, risk, spend (time), suggest, tolerate, understand, waste (time),...
Note: Those are marked with asterisk (*) can also be followed by infinitive.
d. indirect objects (only the verb “give”)
For examples,
- Samnang gives swimming all of his energy and time.
- He gives studying his best effort.
e. objects of prepositions
For examples,
- The police arrested him for speeding.
- Can you sneeze without opening your mouth?
- She is good at painting.
- They’ re keen on windsurfing.
- She avoided him by walking on the opposite side of the road.
- We arrived in Rattanakiri after driving all day.
- My boss has decided against postponing the meeting.
Other usage of gerunds
We also use the Gerund after the following phrases:
- to be busy → He is busy reading the paper.
- couldn't help → She couldn't help laughing.
- don't mind → I don't mind telling them my opinion.
- feel like → We feel like flying in the sky.
- how about → How about going for a walk this evening?
- it's (no) good → It's no good talking about this problem.
- it's no use → It's no use registering in that training course.
- spend one's time → They spend their time reading.
- there's no → There's no cheating anymore.
- there's no point → There's no point complaining further.
- what about → What about going to the zoo?
- worth → The book is worth reading.
