Improving Writing: What Is a Gerund?
It’s a verb used as a noun, always ending with -ing. (We all attended the hearing.) However, not all verbs ending with -ing are used as nouns; most of them are just regular verbs. (We are hearing strange noises.)
An easy way to spot a gerund: The word following a possessive pronoun is a gerund. (He cared about my learning; so he included the conference in the budget.)
A gerund is one of the most often misused bits of grammar. Just keep in mind that gerunds function as nouns. Thus, gerunds will be subjects, subject complements, direct objects, indirect objects, and objects of prepositions. Present participles, on the other hand, complete progressive verbs or act as modifiers. Read these example:
Since Daniel was ten years old, praying has been his passion.
Praying = subject of the verb has been
Daniel's first love is praying.
Praying = subject complement of the verb is
Daniel enjoys praying more than spending time with his friends.
Praying = direct object of the verb enjoys
Daniel gives praying all of his energy and time.
Praying = indirect object of the verb gives
When Daniel brought his prayer mat to church, everyone knew that he was devoted to praying.
Praying = object of the preposition to
One Sunday last month, Daniel and his prayer partner were praying together.
Praying = present participle completing the past progressive verb were praying
Sleepiness became a problem for Daniel’s praying partner.
Praying = present participle modifying partner
Now Daniel prays with his partner in praying chapels that are filled with light.
Praying = present participle modifying chapels
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