Gerunds

Gerunds as subjects:

A gerund can function as de the subject of a sentence. Gerunds function as singular nouns and take singular verbs. A gerund can be replaced by the pronoun it.

Gerunds after verbs:

We sometimes use one verb after another verb. Often the second verb is in the to-infinitive form, for example:

• I want to eat.

But sometimes the second verb must be in gerund form, for example:

• I dislike eating.

Here are some examples of verbs followed by gerunds:

-advise  -consider  -deny  -enjoy  -go  -miss  -practice  -suggest

-avoid -delay -dislike -finish -mind -postpone -recommed.

Examples:

They postponed holding the marathon race      

 He enjoys creating new sounds.         

Gerunds after preposition:

Preposition + gerund

If a verb comes after a preposition such as in, at, with, about, of, on, etc.the verb  must end in-ing. Let's see the following examples :

1. I'm interested in working for you.
2. She's very good at singing slow songs.
3. He's fed up with listening to his complaints.
4. Indonesian people are excited about going on Idul Fitri holiday.

Verb + preposition + gerund

There are a lot of verbs with preposition can be followed by gerund. Here are the verbs and their prepositions.

1. succeed in
2. dream of
3. think of
4. think about
5. approve of
6. disapprove of
7. look forward to
8. insist on
9. decide against
10. apologise for

Let's see the following examples :

1. Have you succeeded in finding a good job?
2. I always dream of being rich.

Verb + object + preposition + gerunds

The following verbs have the structure : verb + object + preposition + -ing.

1. accuse .......of
2. suspect .........of
3. congratulate...... on
4. prevent .........from
5. stop .......... from
6. thank ............. for
7. forgive.......... for
8. warn ......... against

Let's see the following examples :

1. They accused me of stealing the book.
2. The police suspected the man of being a spy.
3. The headmaster congratulated him on getting the highest score on exam.
4. Please prevent the baby from eating the soil.

practice