Gerund
1. As the Subject:
Structure: Gerund + verb + rest of the sentence.
Example: Exercising regularly improves health.
Here, exercising is the gerund, and it acts as the subject of the sentence.
2. As the Object:
Structure: Subject + verb + gerund + rest of the sentence.
Example: She enjoys reading novels.
Here, reading is the gerund acting as the object of the verb enjoys.
3. As a Complement:
Structure: Subject + verb + complement (gerund).
Example: His favourite hobby is painting.
Here, painting is the gerund acting as a complement to the subject his favorite
hobby.
4. After Prepositions:
Structure: Preposition + gerund + rest of the sentence.
Example: He is interested in learning new skills.
Learning is the gerund used after the preposition in.
Practice Sentences:
Subject: Cooking is a useful skill.
Object: They started planning the trip early.
Complement: Her passion is dancing.
After Preposition: He is good at solving problems.
Exercise 1: Gerund as the Subject
Rewrite the following sentences by starting with a gerund as the subject.
1. To improve your writing skills is essential for success in academic exams.
Answer: Improving your writing skills is essential for success in academic
exams.
2. To reduce pollution requires global cooperation.
Answer: Reducing pollution requires global cooperation.
3. To exercise daily contributes to better mental health.
Answer: Exercising daily contributes to better mental health.
Exercise 2: Gerund as the Object
Complete the sentences with a gerund as the object.
1. She enjoys __________ (to read) books on history.
Answer: She enjoys reading books on history.
2. They started __________ (to plan) the new project last week.
Answer: They started planning the new project last week.
3. He avoided __________ (to talk) about the controversial issue.
Answer: He avoided talking about the controversial issue.
Exercise 3: Gerund after Prepositions
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate gerund form after the preposition.
1. She is interested in __________ (to learn) new languages.
Answer: She is interested in learning new languages.
2. They succeeded in __________ (to solve) the complex problem.
Answer: They succeeded in solving the complex problem.
3. He is responsible for __________ (to manage) the team.
Answer: He is responsible for managing the team.
Exercise 4: Gerund as a Complement
Transform the sentences by making the gerund the complement.
1. Her favorite activity is to swim.
Answer: Her favorite activity is swimming.
2. The best part of the trip was to explore new places.
Answer: The best part of the trip was exploring new places.
3. One of their goals is to reduce waste.
Answer: One of their goals is reducing waste.
Exercise 5: Your Own Gerund Sentences
Write sentences using gerunds in the following contexts:
1. As the subject of a sentence about technology.
Example Answer: "Adopting new technologies enhances productivity."
2. As the object in a sentence about education.
Example Answer: "Students benefit from practicing critical thinking skills."
3. After a preposition in a sentence about health.
Example Answer: "He is committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle."
Exercise 1: Gerund as the Subject
Rewrite each sentence by using a gerund as the subject.
1. To exercise regularly is important for maintaining good health.
2. To learn new skills can open many opportunities.
3. To recycle waste helps in protecting the environment.
4. To travel to different countries broadens your perspective.
5. To read every day improves your vocabulary.
Exercise 2: Gerund as the Object
Fill in the blanks with the correct gerund form of the verb in parentheses.
1. She enjoys __________ (to paint) in her free time.
2. They suggested __________ (to go) for a walk after dinner.
3. I miss __________ (to see) my friends from high school.
4. He avoided __________ (to answer) the difficult question.
5. We discussed __________ (to move) to a new city.
Exercise 3: Gerund after Prepositions
Complete the sentences by adding a gerund after the preposition.
1. She is good at __________ (to solve) complex math problems.
2. They are interested in __________ (to start) their own business.
3. He is responsible for __________ (to organize) the event.
4. I’m tired of __________ (to wait) for the bus.
5. They succeeded in __________ (to complete) the project on time.
Exercise 4: Gerund as a Complement
Change the sentences so that the gerund becomes the complement.
1. His favorite hobby is to collect stamps.
2. The best part of the weekend was to relax by the beach.
3. Their goal is to reduce energy consumption.
4. One of the challenges is to manage time effectively.
5. Her passion is to help others in need.
Exercise 5: Write Sentences Using Gerunds
Write your own sentences using gerunds in the following contexts:
1. As the subject of a sentence about education.
Example: Learning new languages can be very rewarding.
2. As the object in a sentence about technology.
Example: He enjoys exploring the latest gadgets.
3. After a preposition in a sentence about health.
Example: She is focused on improving her diet.
Exercise 6: Mixed Gerund Use
Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.
1. He is looking forward to start his new job.
2. They are interested on learning more about the program.
3. She suggested to going to the museum this weekend.
4. The children were excited about to visiting the zoo.
5. I prefer to reading books over watching TV.
The Key :
Exercise 1: Gerund as the Subject
1. Exercising regularly is important for maintaining good health.
2. Learning new skills can open many opportunities.
3. Recycling waste helps in protecting the environment.
4. Traveling to different countries broadens your perspective.
5. Reading every day improves your vocabulary.
Exercise 2: Gerund as the Object
1. She enjoys painting in her free time.
2. They suggested going for a walk after dinner.
3. I miss seeing my friends from high school.
4. He avoided answering the difficult question.
5. We discussed moving to a new city.
Exercise 3: Gerund after Prepositions
1. She is good at solving complex math problems.
2. They are interested in starting their own business.
3. He is responsible for organizing the event.
4. I’m tired of waiting for the bus.
5. They succeeded in completing the project on time.
Exercise 4: Gerund as a Complement
1. His favorite hobby is collecting stamps.
2. The best part of the weekend was relaxing by the beach.
3. Their goal is reducing energy consumption.
4. One of the challenges is managing time effectively.
5. Her passion is helping others in need.
Exercise 5: Write Sentences Using Gerunds
1. As the subject of a sentence about education:
o Learning new languages can be very rewarding.
2. As the object in a sentence about technology:
o He enjoys exploring the latest gadgets.
3. After a preposition in a sentence about health:
o She is focused on improving her diet.
Exercise 6: Mixed Gerund Use
1. He is looking forward to starting his new job.
2. They are interested in learning more about the program.
3. She suggested going to the museum this weekend.
4. The children were excited about visiting the zoo.
5. I prefer reading books over watching TV.
