Why Are Gerunds a Problem?
Ever feel like you've got a decent handle on English grammar, and then a sneaky little word form throws a wrench in your sentence? Chances are, you've tangled with the tricky world of gerunds. These verb-turned-nouns can be a real source of frustration for writers of all levels, and today, we're going to unpack why.
So, what exactly is a gerund? Simply put, a gerund is a verb form ending in “-ing” that functions as a noun. Instead of describing an action, it names an action, activity, or state.
Think of it as a verb wearing a noun disguise. Their purpose is to allow us to use verbs in places where we typically use nouns, like the subject of a sentence, the object of a verb, or after a preposition.
For example, in the sentence “Swimming is good exercise,” the word “swimming” is a gerund acting as the subject.
The Gerund Gauntlet: Why the Struggle?
So, why do these seemingly simple “-ing” words cause so much trouble? There are a few key reasons, particularly for those learning English as a second language (ESL).
Present Participles
The “-ing” ending is also used for present participles, which function as adjectives or part of continuous verb tenses (e.g., “He is running”).
Distinguishing between a gerund and a present participle can be tricky, as they look identical. The key lies in their function within the sentence.
Infinitives
The choice between using a gerund or an infinitive (the “to + verb” form) after certain verbs and prepositions can be particularly perplexing. There often isn't a clear-cut logical rule, and it can feel like memorization is the only way forward.
It’s Not Universal
The concept of a verb acting as a noun isn't universal across all languages. Many languages have different ways of expressing similar ideas, and the direct equivalent of a gerund might not exist or function in the same way.
People fluent in multiple languages have firsthand experience with these opposing concepts, which can lead to confusion about when and how to use them correctly.
Gerunds vs. Infinitives: A Guide to Choosing
Here is where the real headache often begins. When do you say “I enjoy swimming” versus “I want to swim?” While there aren’t always hard and fast rules, here are some general guidelines.
Gerunds are often used:
As the subject of a sentence: “Reading is a great way to relax.”
As the object of certain verbs: “I enjoy hiking.” Or “They considered moving to a new city.” (Common verbs followed by gerunds include: enjoy, avoid, consider, finish, mind, suggest, practice, etc.)
After prepositions: “He is good at painting.” Or “They talked about leaving.”
After phrasal verbs: “She gave up smoking.” Or “We are looking forward to seeing you.”
Infinitives are often used:
To express purpose: “I went to the store to buy milk.”
After certain verbs: “I want to travel.” Or “She agreed to help.” (Common verbs followed by infinitives include: want, need, decide, hope, learn, promise, agree, etc.)
After adjectives: “It’s important to be on time.”
With “too” or “enough”: “It’s too late to apologize.” Or “He is strong enough to lift that.”
The Tricky Part
Some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, sometimes with a change in meaning!
Remember + gerund: “I remember meeting her years ago.” (You have a memory of the event.)
Remember + infinitive: “I must remember to call her later.” (You need to perform an action.)
Stop + gerund: “He stopped smoking.” (He discontinued the activity.)
Stop + infinitive: “He stopped to smoke a cigarette.” (He paused another activity to smoke.)
These nuances highlight why gerunds and infinitives can be so challenging, especially for ESL learners who are grappling with a whole new set of grammatical patterns.
You’re Not Alone!
If you’ve ever stared blankly at a sentence trying to decide between “-ing” and “to + verb,” take heart! You’re definitely not alone. Even seasoned writers and grammar enthusiasts stumble over these tricky rules from time to time.
That’s precisely why editors exist—to provide that crucial second pair of eyes and catch those subtle grammatical errors that can slip past even the most diligent writer.
Don’t get discouraged by the occasional gerund-related grammar gremlin. Keep practicing, keep reading, and keep asking questions. Tune in next time for more grammar tips to help you navigate the wonderful, and sometimes wonderfully confusing, world of writing.
