Gerund in English

Gerund – is a verb in the English language that can function as a noun after adding the -ing ending. In fact, in most cases, it will be translated into Ukrainian as a noun. When we turn a verb into a gerund, it no longer describes an action but becomes the main focus. To better illustrate the value of gerunds in English, let’s look at the examples:

• It’s important for me to get his apology.

• Getting his apology is important to me.

Do you see the difference? In the first case, the emphasis here is on you and your desire to receive the apology.  – I want to get. In the second case,  This sentence places more emphasis on the action itself (getting the apology).

What is a gerund in English and when to use it

Once again, let’s emphasize: a gerund in English is a verb that functions as a noun. So, merely adding the -ing ending isn’t enough, as this form can be used in different grammatical tenses. For example, in this sentence, the verb remains a verb:

• Max is seeing the waterfall for the first time.

In English, there are many words after which, according to the rules, a gerund is always used. Here are a few common examples:

• allow;

• be worth;

• celebrate;

• detest;

• dread;

• enjoy;

• fancy;

• give up;

• miss;

• picture;

• recall;

• shirk;

• tolerate;

• understand.

You don’t need to memorize all these words at once. Learn them step by step.

Two forms of gerunds and their differences

From the table, you can learn about the existence of two forms of the gerund and their differences. Take note that such a verb can be used in the active or passive voice, which will be expressed differently in speech.

The simple form is used in complex sentences in the same tense as the main verb. For example, when you say: “I hate arguing with you” (I hate during the argument). However, using the perfect form is appropriate in a sentence where the event of the gerund precedes the main action: “She denies having stolen the money” (first someone stole the money, then she denied that it was her).

The passive form is used when the gerund is applied without attaching it to a specific person: "I don’t like being lied".

What distinguishes a gerund in English from an infinitive

The infinitive is the impersonal form of a verb. In English, it is preceded by the particle to – to bake. Sometimes, the infinitive can replace the gerund, but grammar rules advise against doing this all the time because they can create different meanings. For example, saying “to bake is my rest” would be a mistake because the sentence sounds uninformative and incorrect. The correct version would be “baking is my rest,” as here, the word “baking” plays the role of the noun.

Why gerunds are so important for your English

It is is a complex topic. Therefore, many students learning English try to avoid using it, simplifying their speech as much as possible. But for native English speakers or students at the Advanced level, it becomes a noticeable marker of your insecurity. So, add the gerund to your English – and you’ll immediately be perceived differently. This is the step forward that will help you transition from Intermediate to Advanced.

Moreover, this special verb helps to emphasize things. For example, to describe your morning run, you could simply say run. However, when you say running, it gives your morning ritual more significance, implying that you didn’t just run but completed a full workout.

How to learn all forms of the gerund in English in one lesson

Booyya offers you one big lesson that will help you master the challenging topic of gerunds, including the rules for forming and using them. Specifically, you will receive the following information about these unusual verbs:

• how they are formed – how to add the -ing ending to words that end in the letter -y and other complex variations;

• what forms exist and what their differences are – you will receive a detailed and very clear explanation with examples and rules for using the gerund in different forms;

• exceptions to the general rules that you need to remember well.

As a bonus, you will receive plenty of useful information on how to progress from the Intermediate level of English to Advanced. You will watch a video where you will learn about the 4 main reasons why students get stuck at the same level for years and can’t improve their knowledge and practical skills. Then, we'll explore four potential solutions to this problem, including the active use of rules in your speech.

To help you consolidate your knowledge, we’ve added interactive exercises to the course. And to test your learning efficiency – an engaging quiz. You can revisit the lesson periodically to review and reinforce the new knowledge in your memory.