Gerunds

A gerund (verb + ing) acts like a noun in a sentence.

Seeing is believing.
Running a marathon is not an easy thing to do.
Watching TV is sometimes harmful.
Eating is always fun.
My hobby is painting.
She loves babysitting her sister.
I like listening to music.
I wasted all my afternoon by taking a nap.
I am afraid of singing a song on a stage.

Often, a possessive noun or pronoun comes before a gerund.

I hope that you don’t mind my using your pen.
Don’t be mad about my leaving early.
I don’t want you misunderstanding.
You will be amazed by my writing.

[Quiz 14.1]

Fill in the blanks.

1) I enjoy                      (draw) as a hobby.
2) She likes                      (buy) clothes.
3) Children are fond of                      (play) with water.
4)                      (dance) is my favorite thing to do.
5) I am upset at his                      (break) the rule.

View Answers