Gerund

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 5

Gerund

What is a gerund?

Verb+ing, without a form of to be

When do you use a gerund?

After prepositions like: about, without, to, from, for, on, of

• My parents are talking about moving to another town
• I look forward to meeting you

When do you use a gerund?

After certain verbs like: hate, like, stop, prefer, enjoy, avoid, remember, refuse, mind, keep, spend

• So you have stopped biting your nails!
• Why do you always try to avoid meeting him?
  

When do you use a gerund?

As subject of a sentence

• Following his advice could get you into trouble
• Criticising others is so easy
  

When do you use a gerund?

After certain words and expressions like: feel like, it's no use, it's worth, there's no, be busy, can't help

• Do you feel like going out on Friday?
• There's no denying he sings well
  

Watch out!

After the verbs "to stop", "to remember" and "to forget" you can use both a gerund or an infinitive, BUT the choice changes the meaning:

I stopped smoking / I stopped to smoke.

I remember buying my first bike / remember to buy a bike.

Let's practice

For the next few sentences, write down the correct form of the verb given in brackets

She delayed (get) out of bed

I miss (go) to the beach

I hate (arrive) too late

I couldn't help (laugh)

I really can't stand (wait) for the bus

I don't mind (stay) up late

Any questions about the gerund?