ESL 051/052 (Chinn) Gerunds

(adapted from Understanding and Using English Grammar, 4e, by B. Azar, Pearson/Longman 2009 and Grammar Dimensions 3 by S.H. Thewlis,
Heinle and Heinle 2000)

Introduction
How do people like to spend their free time?
A “do-er” is active. He/she enjoys activities that keeps them busy. For example, he/she plans free time
activities.
A “laid back” person prefers not to busy all the time during his/her free time. Reading a magazine or
book or sleeping is relaxing. He/she allows activities to happen without planning.

What do you like to do during your free time?

 Fill out the chart and write at least three ideas in each box. See examples.
 Discuss your activities that you like to do or don’t like to do with a classmate.
 Review your partner’s list and decide if he/she is a “do-er” or a “laid-back” person.
 Present your findings to the class.

ACTIVITIES I ENJOY ACTIVITIES I DON’T ENJOY ACTIVITIES I MUST DO BUT

DON’T ENJOY
Examples: Examples: Examples:
reading a book sleeping in late doing laundry
going camping getting up early going grocery shopping

Definition Form Examples

-acts like a noun Affirmative driving
simple/base form + ing (present singing
-can be a subject or object participle) talking

-refers to an action that is Negative not drying

already happening or is not + simple/base form + ing not studying
completed

-singular form only

Is the gerund the subject or object in the sentence?

I enjoy visiting a different state each summer. Subject Object
Swimming is good for my health. Subject Object
Not getting enough sleep is bad. Subject Object
Learning English is important. Subject Object
I enjoy going bowling on Saturday evenings. Subject Object
I hate walking in the rain. Subject Object
ESL 051/052 (Chinn) Gerunds (page 2)

Verbs + Gerund
enjoy appreciate
quit give up stop avoid postpone put off delay finish get through
consider imagine suggest require urge
discuss mention keep on tolerate
dislike don’t mind (=don’t care)
mind
keep
Practice! Answer the questions. Write a sentence with a gerund. Compare your answers with a
classmate.

1. What do you like to do in your spare time?

2. What are some bad habits that you have?
ESL 051/ESL 052 (Chinn)

Go + Gerund
Go is followed by a gerund to discuss recreational activities.

go biking go dancing go rollerblading go skiing

go birdwatching go fishing go running go skinny dipping
go boating go hiking go sailing go sledding
go bowling go hunting go shopping go snorkeling
go camping go jogging go sightseeing go snowboarding
go canoeing/kayaking go mountain climbing go skating go window shopping

Gerunds as Object of Preposition

A gerund can follow a preposition:

Affirmative
We talked about going to Florida for vacation.
Subject Verb Preposition Gerund

My boss is in charge of organizing the meeting next week.

Subject Verb Preposition Gerund

Negative = not + gerund

We talked about not using that travel agent again!
Subject Verb Preposition Negative Gerund

May is guilty of not finishing her assignment on time.

Subject Verb Preposition Negative Gerund

Common Main Verb/Preposition Combinations Followed by Gerunds

be excited, be worried about doing it

complain, dream, talk, think about/of doing it.
be interested in doing it
believe, participate, succeed in doing it
be tired of/from doing it
be accustomed, be committed, be devoted, look forward, object, be opposed, be used to doing it
apologize, blame (someone), forgive (someone), have an excuse, have a reason to thank (someone) for
doing it

Your Examples:
She is interested in reading books and traveling.
I look forward to seeing you again.
I’m excited about camping next week.

I ‘m excited about camping.

S BE (MV) adj PREP GERUND