What is a Gerund? Explained in English

A gerund is a verb that acts like a noun. It ends in -ing.

Swimming is fun. (swimming = noun, subject of sentence)
I enjoy reading. (reading = noun, object of verb)

How to Recognize a Gerund

Form: verb + -ing

run → running
eat → eating
study → studying

Function: Acts like a noun (subject, object, or complement)

Gerunds as Subjects

When the gerund starts the sentence:

Swimming keeps you healthy.
Learning English takes time.
Cooking is my favorite hobby.

Gerunds as Objects

After certain verbs:

I enjoy reading.
She finished studying.
They avoid eating sugar.

Common Verbs Followed by Gerunds

These verbs take gerunds (NOT infinitives):

enjoy, finish, avoid, keep, mind
stop, quit, suggest, consider, practice

Examples:

I enjoy swimming. (NOT to swim)
She finished cooking. (NOT to cook)
We avoid eating late. (NOT to eat)

Gerunds After Prepositions

Always use gerund (NOT infinitive) after prepositions:

I'm good at swimming.
She's interested in learning French.
They're afraid of flying.

Common phrases:

be good at + gerund
be interested in + gerund
be tired of + gerund
think about + gerund
talk about + gerund

Gerund vs. Present Participle

Both end in -ing, but different functions:

Gerund (noun):

Swimming is fun. (subject)

Present Participle (part of verb):

I am swimming now. (present continuous tense)

How to tell: If it acts like a noun (subject/object), it's a gerund.

Learning grammar naturally? FreeTalk Dictionary shows examples in real sentences while you read online.

Gerund vs. Infinitive

Some verbs take gerunds, some take infinitives (to + verb):

Gerund only:

enjoy, finish, avoid, keep, mind, quit, suggest

Infinitive only:

want, need, decide, plan, hope, promise

Both (meaning changes):

I stopped smoking. (I quit smoking)
I stopped to smoke. (I paused to smoke a cigarette)
I remember meeting her. (I have a memory of the past)
I remembered to meet her. (I didn't forget our appointment)

Examples by Level

A2: Reading books helps you learn new words.
A2: I enjoy playing soccer on weekends.
B1: She's good at speaking English and writing emails.
B1: After finishing my homework, I watched TV.
B2: Learning a language requires practicing every day and immersing yourself in the culture.

Common Mistakes

❌ I enjoy to swim.
✅ I enjoy swimming.

❌ She's good at to cook.
✅ She's good at cooking.

❌ I'm interested in to learn Spanish.
✅ I'm interested in learning Spanish.

FAQs

Q: Why do some verbs take gerunds and others take infinitives?
A: No simple rule. You have to learn which verbs take which form. Practice makes it natural.

Q: Can I say "I like swimming" and "I like to swim"?
A: Yes! Some verbs (like, love, hate, start, begin) can take both with no meaning change.

Q: Is "I am swimming" a gerund?
A: No, that's present continuous tense (present participle). Gerunds act as nouns: "Swimming is fun."

Q: How do I know if I need a gerund or infinitive?
A: Learn common verb patterns. Some verbs always take gerunds (enjoy, finish), some always take infinitives (want, need).