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B1 · English Grammar

Gerund
Phrases

Swimming every day is great exercise.

verb + -ing used as a noun
The idea

An -ing word acting as a noun

A gerund is the -ing form of a verb used as a noun. A gerund phrase adds its own objects or modifiers.

Examples

Swimming every day is great exercise. (as subject)

I enjoy reading in the evenings. (as object)

Two roles

[verb+ing …] + main verb

main verb + [verb+ing …]

As subject — always singular verb.

As subject

Tells us what the sentence is about

Swimming every day is great exercise.
Learning a new language takes a lot of patience.
Working from home has advantages and disadvantages.

Always a singular verb — even when the gerund phrase feels "many".

As object

After these verbs, always -ing

enjoyavoidkeep finishmindconsider suggestpracticerecommend dislikeimaginemiss can't stand
I enjoy reading in the evenings.
She avoids eating fast food.
After prepositions

A verb after a preposition is always -ing

She is good at solving problems.
He is interested in learning photography.
I'm tired of waiting.
We talked about moving to a bigger apartment.
⚠ Watch out

Common mistakes

Swim every day is good for you.

Swimming every day is good for you.

I enjoy to read in the evenings.

I enjoy reading in the evenings.

She is good at solve problems.

She is good at solving problems.

He finished to paint the house.

He finished painting the house.

Now it's your turn

Let's
practice.

Say the answer out loud — then tap to check.

Practice 1
tap the blank to reveal

Fill the gap

(learn)a language takes patience and time.
I can't stand(wait)in long lines.
She's interested in(learn)photography.
He keeps(make)the same mistake.
We talked about(move)abroad next year.
Practice 2
tap a sentence to reveal the error

Spot the mistake

SwimmingA in cold water areB good forC your circulation, according toD my doctor.

Bare → is

✓ a gerund subject is singular

LearningA a musical instrument takesB years of patience, butC the results are worth of itD.

Dare worth of it → are worth it

✓ worth takes no of

To arrivingA late to meetings annoysB my manager moreC than anything elseD.

ATo arriving → Arriving

✓ a gerund, not to + -ing, works as subject

Practice 3
tap to reveal a model answer

Complete the sentence

Working from home
I really enjoy
She's tired of
He's good at
Speak & write

Your turn

Use a gerund phrase as subject or object.

What activity do you most enjoy doing in your free time?
What is something you can't stand doing?
Finish: "[Doing something] is good/bad for your health."
What are you interested in learning more about?
Recap

Remember this

Gerund
-ing form used as a noun
As subject
always singular verb
After certain verbs
enjoy, avoid, keep, finish…
After prepositions
always gerund, no exceptions

A verb after a preposition is always -ing — a structural rule, not a meaning rule.

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