How to use Gerunds in English – Verb and ing

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When to use gerunds?

• We can use the “ing” form of a verb like a noun, as the subject of a sentence.
• We use the “ing” form of a verb after certain verbs. (e.g. like, enjoy, prefer, stop).
• We use “ing” after enjoy, mind and suggest.

Examples:

• I enjoy dancing. (not enjoy to dance)
• I enjoy reading. (not I enjoy to read)
• Would you mind closing the door? (not mind to close)
• Chris suggested going to the cinema. (not suggested to go)

Some more verbs that are followed by Gerunds in English -ing

Stop, Postpone, Admit, Avoid, Imagine, Finish, Consider, Deny, Risk, Fancy, Celebrate, Contemplate, Defer, Delay, Detest, Save.

With some verbs you can use the structure verb + somebody + -ing

• I can’t imagine George riding a motorbike.
• You can’t stop me doing what I want.
• Did you really say that? I don’t remember you saying that.
• ‘Sorry to keep you waiting so long.’ ‘That’s all right.’

Gerunds in English practice with examples

• Skiing is exciting.
• Has it stopped raining?
• Flying a plane isn’t easy.
• I avoid going to the dentist.
• I enjoy listening to music.
• Swimming is good for you.
• Watching TV is bad for you.
• Running is very good for you.
• I don’t mind getting up early.
• We enjoy having dinner together.
• I don’t fancy going out this evening.
• You can’t stop me doing what I want.
• Sonia suggested going to the cinema.
• I hate being late. or I hate to be late.
• It started raining. or It started to rain.
• He tried to avoid answering my question.
• Anna loves dancing. or Anna loves to dance.
• Amy had a lot to do, so I offered reading her.
• Could you please stop making so much noise?
• Have you finished reading the newspaper yet?
• If you gamble, you risk losing your money.
• Would you mind not interrupting all the time?
• I’m not feeling very well. I don’t fancy going out.
• It’s better to avoid travelling during the rush hour.
• Would you mind turning the music down, please?
• I’ve given up trying to lose weight – it’s impossible.
• I prefer travelling by car. or I prefer to travel by car.
• When I’m tired in the evenings, I like watching TV.
• It was a beautiful day, so I suggested having a picnic.
• My memory is getting worse. I keep forgetting things.
• Suddenly everybody stopped talking. There was silence.
• I’ll do the shopping when I’ve finished cleaning the flat.
• I don’t mind you using my phone, but please ask me first.
• Have you ever considered going to live in another country?
• Shall we postpone painting the kitchen until next weekend?
• Do you like getting up early? Or, Do you like to get up early?
• She’s a very interesting person. I always enjoy talking to her.
• We need to change our routine. We can’t go on living like this.
• They said they were innocent. They denied doing anything wrong.
• I’ve put off paying this bill so many times. I really must do it today.
• I considered applying for the job, but in the end, I decided against it.
• What a stupid thing to do! Can you imagine anybody being so stupid?
• I’m afraid there aren’t any chairs. I hope you don’t mind sitting on the floor.

Story and a message of gerunds in English and infinitive.

Hi, Sarah!

How are you? I had a great holiday, thanks. Mexico is a wonderful Country, and I can’t stop talking about it. I miss visiting lots of new places, but it’s nice here at home, and I love having a hot shower every day!

I’ve just finished reading my 200 (!) emails. I had one from Gemma. She’s suggested meeting on Friday- with you and Helen. Can you come? Guess what? Helen has just got engaged! I can’t

imagine getting married at the moment. Can you?

Have you started working on your project for next term?

I haven’t thought about mine yet. Anyway, that’s all for now. See you on Friday.

Love,

Jenny

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