The Gerund or "ing" - Form - English Grammar

In the English grammar, a gerund is the ing-form of a verb used as a noun. Sometimes a gerund is called a verbal noun because it comes from a verb. The "ing-form" is built with base form (1st form) and the suffix "-ing".

• walk + ing - walking
• cry + ing - crying

Spelling of the Gerund

• Omission of „e" at the end of the base form:
  • wake + ing - waking
  • hide + ing - hiding
• Duplication of ending consonant at short base forms:
  • hit + ing - hitting
  • run + ing - running
• ie - y in the case of the following verbs:
  • lie - lying
  • die - dying
  • tie - tying

Gerunds as a noun substantive or as an object

Like every other normal noun, the gerund can function as a noun substantive or as an object. In some cases an article might be included.

Noun substantive:

• Rock climbing can be great fun
• The crashing of the waves got louder.

Object:

• We were woken by the quaking of the frogs.
• Can you hear the chirping of the birds?

Gerunds after verbs which show feelings of preference or dislike

The following verbs are included:

like - love - enjoy - dislike - hate

• Do you like or dislike walking in the sun, Anna? - I love it!
• I always enjoy getting an email from my Sister.
• My brother loves cooking, but he really hates washing up afterwards.
• When Tom was young, he loved playing with his tiny soldiers.
• Where is Margaret? She knows I hate waiting.