Gerunds

• Gerund


  A verb acting as a noun

  
  

  e.g., Jim’s passion soon became singing
• Present participles vs Gerunds

  Present participles are used to form the progressive tense and as modifiers.
• Gerunds

  Formed with the -ing suffix.
• Gerunds can be used as direct objects following many verbs.

  e.g., Did Mom mention meeting the mayor.
• Placement of not in gerunds

  Negating the gerund suggests an alternative to the meaning of the gerund.

  e.g., I'm considering not driving to Denver. (Instead, I’m thinking of flying there)
• The possessive form of a gerund is formed with the preposition of.

  
  

  e.g., the effect of the burning == the burning's effect.
• A gerund placed in the position of an appositive gives further meaning about its antecedent.
• A gerund acting as an appositive stands directly after its antecedent.
• Avoid is + gerund formations when describing plans.

  
  

  e.g., My parents' plan is leaving me at home.
• A gerund and an infinitive can replace one another.

  e.g., I love to swim in a cool lake. I love swimming in a cool lake.
• Gerunds emphasize the ongoing nature or enjoyment of an activity.