Week 11

Worksheet – Gerunds
1. A GERUND is a BASE FORM VERB + -ING that works like a noun. A GERUND can be a
subject or an object in a sentence.

A. Gerund as an object:

Gerund Subject Verb

Writing Is A very important skill to have.
Working abroad Is The best opportunity you will have.

B. Gerund as an Object

Subject Verb Gerund Object

Customers Enjoy Talking with someone friendly.
My boss Stopped Cycling after an injury.

2. A GERUND is always singular. When one GERUND is the subject of a sentence, it takes
a singular verb.

Walking keeps me healthy

- But if two gerunds form a Subject, the verb is plural.
Dieting and exercising keep me fit.
3. Do not confuse a GERUND with the present progressive
- Walking is a great exercise. My favorite outdoor activity is walking. (Walking is a
Gerund)
- She is walking to the store right now. (Walking is part of the Present Continuous verb)
You can use a GERUND after the following verbs and verb phrases:
PRACTICE:
a. Choose five verbs from the table and write one sentence per each using a Gerund.
Example:
1. Have you finished writing the report for tomorrow’s meeting?

2. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

3. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

4. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

5. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

4. GERUND can be used after prepositions and work as objects.

- Prepositions are words like about, at, by, for, in, on, to, with, and without. The noun
or pronoun that comes after a preposition is the Object of the preposition. A
GERUND works like a noun and therefore can also be the object of a Preposition.
Examples:
- She is interested in it. (pronoun)
- She is interested in getting the promotion to senior manager. (gerund)

Below you will find more examples:

PRACTICE

b. Jane has gone recently to an interview for a new job. Match the two halves of the
interviewer’s statements and questions:
Answer key:

1. H
2. D
3. F
4. C
5. B
6. A
7. G
8. I
9. J
10. E