A gerund is a base form verb that adds -ing and functions as a noun. Be careful not to confuse a present participle with a gerund.
- Smoking is not allowed in our premises.
- I can't stand arriving late to an appointment.
- We don't mind helping you this weekend.
If you want to use a negative form just place the word "NOT" before the gerund.
- Not studying for your final exam may not be a good idea.
- The kids are happy about not having classes on Monday.
As we have already mentioned a gerund functions as a noun, so we can use it as the subject of a statement. When working as the subject the gerund will always be singular. So, always use a third person singular form of the verb.
- Eating healthy food is always a good option.
- Drawing is a relaxing activity.
We are going to find a gerund after certain verbs, like: admit, advise, appresiate, avoid, can't stand, consider, deny, dislike, enjoy, finish, keep, like, mind, miss, quit, resist, start, stop, suggest.
When following any of these verbs the gerund functions as the subject of the verb.
- I like reading a good book.
- The kid admitted stealing the woman's purse.
- If you want to recover, avoid eating junk food.
- We are considering moving to a smaller town.
- Susan misses living alone.
The combination of: go + gerung is used to describe activities.
- why don't we go fishing this weekend.
- Have you ever gone shopping on Christmas eve?
We can also find gerund forms after prepositions like: about, against, at, between, by, for, in, to, with, and without.
- We are talking about hiring a new secretary.
- My dad is against staying at home this summer vacation.
- George used this toll for fixing Brenda's car.
We also find some verbs followed by prepositions, if you have a verb, this must take the gerund form.
e.g.:
- We are asking for getting a raise in our salary.
- Jim complained about working long hours over the weekend.
- My parents are thinking about hiring some more staff for their company.
- Joan succeeded in earning a scholarship.
We also find prepositions with some adjectives: good at, angry about, worried about, afraid of, proud of, interested in.
- Mr. Jones is afraid of losing his job.
- All of us are excited about traveling around Europe next year.
- Susan is interested in learning a foreign language.
Be careful with the following expression ending in "to", they are alway followed by a gerund. look forward to, be opposed to, object to.
- The kids are looking forward to traveling to the mountains.
- The manager opposed to hiring a new secretary.
