The Gerund
‘Verb + ing’, when functions like a noun is called Gerund. Thus, a gerund is that
form of the verb which ends in -ing, and has the force of a Noun and a Verb. For
example,
1. I like reading novels.
2. Walking is his hobby.
3. Swimming is good for health.
4. I dream of becoming a doctor.
In these sentences, the words reading, walking, swimming and becoming are
Gerunds, as they are formed from the verb read + ing, walk + ing, swim + ing and
become + ing, respectively, and function as the noun. That is why, they are also known
as verbal nouns.
5.3.1 Uses of the Gerund
(a) The Gerund being a verb-noun may be used as follows:
• Subject of a verb.
1. Swimming is good for health.
2. Smoking is injurious to health.
Object of a transitive verb.
1. I like playing chess
2. He enjoys reading poetry.
Object of a preposition.
3. Children are fond of playing.
4. I have an aversion to fishing.
Complement of the verb.
1. Seeing is believing.
2. What I most like is sleeping.
(b) Both the Gerund and the Infinitive have the force of a noun and a verb, so
they are used in a similar manner. In sentences, either of the two may be used without
any special difference in meaning, as follows:
1. Teach me to swim. Teach me swimming.
2. To walk is good for health. Walking is good for health.
(c) The Gerunds are always preceded by the possessive case of nouns and
pronouns, as follows:
1. Please don't mind my leaving early.
2. All depends on Deepak's passing the examination.
(d) Some Gerunds are used as compound nouns, as follows:
walking-stick, frying-pan, writing-table, etc.
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