noun

gerund

JERR-uhnd

Gerund (noun) means In English grammar, an -ing form of a verb that works as a noun, as in 'swimming is good exercise' or 'she avoids driving at night'. Example: “In 'I enjoy cooking', the gerund cooking is the object of the verb.”

noun

In English grammar, an -ing form of a verb that works as a noun, as in 'swimming is good exercise' or 'she avoids driving at night'.

"In 'I enjoy cooking', the gerund cooking is the object of the verb."

"Some verbs take a gerund and others take an infinitive."

technical In Latin grammar, a verb form declined as a noun, expressing the action of the verb.

"The Latin gerund appears in phrases such as ars amandi, 'the art of loving'."

How to use gerund

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn -ing word used as if it were a noun.

When to use it

A grammar term; you will meet it in language teaching rather than everyday speech.

Memory tip

To test for a gerund, try replacing the -ing word with 'it'. 'Swimming is fun' becomes 'It is fun', so swimming is a gerund.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

present participle infinitive verbal noun

Common pairings

gerund or infinitive verbs followed by a gerund gerund phrase

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Test yourself on “gerund” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

In 'I enjoy cooking', the _____ cooking is the object of the verb.

Etymology

From late Latin gerundium, from gerere, 'to carry on, to do'.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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verbal noun

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a gerund and a present participle?

They look identical, both ending in -ing; the difference is the job they do. A gerund acts as a noun, as in 'reading relaxes me'. A present participle acts as an adjective or forms continuous tenses, as in 'the reading lamp' or 'she is reading'.

Which verbs are followed by a gerund rather than an infinitive?

Verbs of enjoying, avoiding, finishing and admitting usually take a gerund: enjoy, avoid, finish, admit, suggest, mind, practise. Verbs of wanting, deciding and planning usually take an infinitive: want, decide, hope, agree, refuse. A few, such as start and like, allow either with little change in meaning.

Does 'stop' change meaning with a gerund?

Yes, and it is a classic trap. 'He stopped smoking' means he gave up the habit, while 'he stopped to smoke' means he paused in order to have a cigarette.

What is the meaning of gerund?

"gerund" (noun) means in English grammar, an -ing form of a verb that works as a noun, as in 'swimming is good exercise' or 'she avoids driving at night'.