20 Examples of Gerunds In Sentences
In the intricate landscape of English grammar, gerunds occupy a unique and versatile role. As verbal nouns, gerunds combine the characteristics of verbs and nouns, making them indispensable in crafting precise and fluid sentences. This article delves into the nuances of gerunds with 20 illustrative examples designed to enhance your understanding and usage of these essential grammatical tools.
What is a Gerund?
A gerund is a verb form that ends in -ing and functions as a noun within a sentence. Unlike infinitives, which are the base form of a verb preceded by “to,” gerunds are inherently more integrated into sentence structure as they can serve as subjects, objects, or complements. By employing gerunds effectively, writers can enrich their sentences and convey ideas with greater clarity.
The Role of Gerunds in Sentences
Gerunds are remarkably flexible and can be used in various ways to provide nuanced meaning. Understanding their roles can significantly improve both written and spoken English. Below, we explore 20 examples that showcase the diverse applications of gerunds.
20 Examples of Gerunds In Sentences
1. Gerunds as Sentence Subjects
1. Reading enhances vocabulary and comprehension skills.
In this sentence, “Reading” is the subject of the sentence, highlighting the action that improves language skills.
2. Jogging every morning keeps me fit and energized.
Here, “Jogging” serves as the subject, emphasizing the activity that contributes to physical fitness.
2. Gerunds as Sentence Objects
I enjoy cooking for my family on weekends.
In this case, “cooking” is the object of the verb “enjoy,” indicating the activity that brings pleasure.
She dislikes waiting in long lines at the store.
“Waiting” functions as the object of the verb “dislikes,” specifying the activity she finds unpleasant.
3. Gerunds as Object Complements
His favorite hobby is painting landscapes.
Here, “painting” is the object complement, providing more information about the subject “hobby.”
Her passion is dancing to classical music.
“Dancing” complements the subject “passion,” illustrating the specific activity she is passionate about.
4. Gerunds as Prepositional Objects
They are excited about starting their new business.
In this example, “starting” is the object of the preposition “about,” detailing what they are excited about.
She is interested in learning new languages.
“Learning” functions as the object of the preposition “in,” showing what piques her interest.
5. Gerunds as Possessive Modifiers
His going to the gym every day has paid off.
“Going” acts as a possessive modifier, indicating whose regular gym visits have resulted in benefits.
Their winning the championship was a significant achievement.
“Winning” modifies the possessive pronoun “their,” emphasizing the accomplishment.
6. Gerunds in Compound Subjects
Swimming and running are my favorite forms of exercise.
In this compound subject, both “swimming” and “running” are gerunds that work together to describe preferred activities.
Traveling and exploring new cultures broaden one’s perspective.
“Traveling” and “exploring” collectively form the subject, illustrating activities that contribute to personal growth.
7. Gerunds with Adjective Modifiers
Her amazing singing captured the audience’s hearts.
“Sing” is modified by the adjective “amazing,” adding a descriptive layer to the gerund.
The difficult studying paid off during the exams.
“Difficult” modifies “studying,” highlighting the challenging nature of the activity.
8. Gerunds in Infinitive Clauses
To become a successful entrepreneur requires dedication and hard work.
Here, the infinitive “to become” is used in conjunction with the gerund “requires,” emphasizing the need for perseverance.
To improve your skills, practicing regularly is essential.
“To improve” pairs with “practicing” to stress the importance of consistent effort for skill enhancement.
9. Gerunds in Complex Sentences
Although eating out is convenient, cooking at home is healthier.
The gerunds “eating” and “cooking” are used in a complex sentence to contrast two different activities.
Taking a break can be beneficial, especially after studying for long hours.
In this sentence, “taking” and “studying” are used to describe beneficial and tiring activities.
10. Gerunds in Noun Phrases
His decision to start a new project was well received.
“To start” is a gerund phrase modifying the noun “decision,” providing additional context.
The importance of maintaining a balanced diet cannot be overstated.
“Maintaining” is a gerund phrase that describes the crucial aspect of a balanced diet.
Conclusion
Gerunds are a vital component of English grammar, offering flexibility and nuance in sentence construction. Mastery of gerunds can significantly enhance your writing and speaking skills, allowing for more expressive and precise communication. By incorporating these 20 examples into your practice, you can effectively leverage the power of gerunds to elevate your language proficiency.
