A gerund is type of noun¹ that is created by adding ‘-ing’ to a verb, for example:

 

Verb: Eat

Gerund (Noun): Eating

 

In some cases, we need to add an extra consonant² before the -ing. This typically happens when the last consonant in the verb follows a single, short vowel³:

 

Verb: Swim 

Gerund (Noun): Swimming (Swim + m + ing)

 

Verb: Run 

Gerund (Noun): Running (Run + n + ing)

 

The gerund can be used as the subject, complement⁴, or object of a sentence. Let’s take a look at what that means using the examples below: 

 

Running 

Running is good for your health. (Subject) 

His favourite hobby is running. (Complement) 

I love running! (Object)

 

Reading 

Reading is the best way to learn new words. 

Her least favourite subject is reading. 

Jane really enjoys reading.

 

Top Tip: Gerunds are usually used when an action is real, permanent, or completed (e.g. I love running! – means that I love running and probably will continue to love that activity for a long time)

 

Now it's your turn! Choose the gerund in each of the following examples. 
现在该你了。下面句子中的动名词是哪个呢？

 

One of life’s most important skills is knowing yourself.

knowing

skills

yourself

 

Speaking another language is helpful for jobs.

language

Speaking

helpful

 

I always brush my teeth after eating.

brush

eating

after

 

Some of my friends go to school without sleeping the night before.

without

go

sleeping

 

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