Gerunds

A gerund (verb + ing) acts like a noun in a sentence.

  • Seeing is believing.
  • Running a marathon is not an easy thing to do.
  • Watching TV is sometimes harmful.
  • Eating is always fun.
  • My hobby is painting.
  • She loves babysitting her sister.
  • I like listening to music.
  • I wasted all my afternoon by taking a nap.
  • I am afraid of singing a song on a stage.

Often, a possessive noun or pronoun comes before a gerund.

  • I hope that you don’t mind my using your pen.
  • Don’t be mad about my leaving early.
  • I don’t want you misunderstanding.
  • You will be amazed by my writing.

[Quiz 14.1]

Fill in the blanks.

1)I enjoy (draw) as a hobby.
2)She likes (buy) clothes.
3)Children are fond of (play) with water.
4) (dance) is my favorite thing to do.
5)I am upset at his (break) the rule.

[14.1] 1) drawing
2) buying
3) playing
4) Dancing
5) breaking