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        English gerund

        What are gerunds in English grammar? Gerunds act as nouns but are formed with present participle verb forms. Learn English gerund usage and find out gerund types, examples and common mistakes.

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        Gerund v. infinitive (after specific verbs): Like camping A2

        Explanation

        Certain verbs require a gerund and others require an infinitive to express a specific meaning.

        Nouns name people, places and things. A gerund is a noun made from a verb ending in '-ing' (such as the activities 'dancing' or 'swimming').

        main verb + verb + '-ing'

        A verb is a word or phrase that is a main part of a sentence and expresses action or a state of being.
        An infinitive is the basic form of the verb, which may be written as 'to verb' or simply 'verb.' The 'to' form of an infinitive does not have a tense.

        main verb + ['to' +] verb

        Example

        My family enjoys camping.
        I don't like biking in the park.
        Brian likes to camp at the lake.
        He wants to swim in the lake.

        Common mistakes

        Some verbs are followed by gerunds, not infinitives.

        My family enjoys to camp.

        My family enjoys camping.

        Gerund v. infinitive (after specific verbs): Stop talking B1

        Explanation

        A gerund is a noun formed from a verb ending in '-ing.'

        verb + '-ing'

        An infinitive is the basic form of the verb, which is written as 'to + verb.' The infinitive does not have a tense.

        'to' + verb

        Certain verbs can be followed with a gerund, and others require an infinitive to express a specific meaning.

        Example

        He had forgotten to bring his wallet.
        Dan found his wallet in another jacket pocket although he didn't remember putting it there.
        I know I should stop worrying about the future, but I can't help it.
        I should stop to take a break but I just have too much studying to do.

        Common mistakes

        Some verbs may be followed by a gerund or an infinitive, depending on the intended meaning.

        To say that he didn't bring his wallet: He had forgotten bringing his wallet.

        To say that he didn't bring his wallet: He had forgotten to bring his wallet.

        Gerunds (passive): Being accused, being seen B2

        Explanation

        A gerund is a verb ending in '-ing' which acts as a noun. A passive gerund is a verb ending in '-ing' used in the passive voice.

        'being' + past participle
        'having been' + past participle

        Example

        Being accused of plagiarism is an honor code violation.
        There is the chance of an innocent person being convicted for a crime they didn't commit.
        Having been accused of the crime, he had to hire a lawyer to defend him.

        Common mistakes

        A passive gerund uses the verb 'be' or 'have' and the past participle of the main verb.

        Been accusing of plagiarism is an honor code violation.

        Being accused of plagiarism is an honor code violation.

        Passive voice (gerunds vs. infinitives): Being asked C1

        Explanation

        A passive gerund is a verb with an '-ing' ending used in the passive voice. It can be used to describe complex situations.

        'being' + past participle
        'having been' + past participle

        A passive infinitive is used to indicate what is possible or what is correct. It can be used to describe complex situations.

        'to be' + past participle
        'to have been' + past participle

        Both forms typically follow another verb, creating complex verb phrases.

        Example

        We insist on being joined by you for a fun day at the park.
        Matthew insisted on being asked to assist with buying Alice's retirement gift.
        Matthew appreciated being helped by his uncle.
        I hoped to be finished by lunchtime.
        He would doubtless want to be asked to help Matthew purchase a gift for her.

        Common mistakes

        Some passive gerunds use the '-ing' form of 'be' with the past participle of the main verb.

        We insist on be joining by you for a fun day at the park.

        We insist on being joined by you for a fun day at the park.

        Additionally

        verbgerund/infinitivepast participle
        hopeto beasked
        resentedbeingstood up
        appreciatehaving beenconsidered
        would loveto have beencontacted

        Gerund v. infinitive (after verb+object): Help it to run C1

        Explanation

        A gerund is a noun formed from a verb ending in -ing.

        verb + -ing

        An infinitive is the basic form of the verb, including to. Infinitives do not have a tense.

        to + verb

        Certain complex verbal constructions require either a gerund or an infinitive when following a transitive verb with an object (either direct or indirect).

        main verb + direct/indirect object + gerund
        main verb + direct/indirect object + infinitive

        Example

        The team spent its time investigating cyber crimes.
        These mysteries compelled them to seek information from the dark web.
        This information enabled them to track certain criminals.
        These criminals naturally disliked the investigators tracking their nefarious deeds.
        However, the Deparentment of Justice began an encentive program to further the effort.

        Common mistakes

        Certain complex verbal constructions must be memorized by studying how speakers and writers use the language. Most verbs + objects require either a gerund or an infinitive.

        Her uncle's generosity enabled her enrolling in a good school.

        Her uncle's generosity enabled her to enroll in a good school.

        Sign up to get access to a full range of English gerund exercises

        Improve your English with exercises and materials about gerund.

        Exercise 1

        Listen and answer the questions

        Exercise 2

        Read the text and fill in the blanks

        Exercise 3

        Complete the sentences with the correct endings

        Exercise 4

        Read the sentences and fill in the blanks

        Free resources about English Verbs

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