Gerunds are verb forms that end in -ing and function as nouns in a sentence. They are derived from verbs but behave like nouns, meaning they can act as subjects, objects, or complements.
Characteristics of Gerunds
- Form:
- Gerunds are formed by adding -ing to the base form of a verb.
- Example: The base verb “run” becomes “running.”
- Function as Nouns:
- Gerunds can perform all the functions that nouns can perform in a sentence.
Functions of Gerunds
- As Subjects:
- A gerund can act as the subject of a sentence.
- Example: Swimming is my favorite sport.
(तैरना मेरा पसंदीदा खेल है।)
- As Objects:
- A gerund can function as the object of a verb.
- Example: I enjoy reading.
(मुझे पढ़ना पसंद है।)
- As Subject Complements:
- A gerund can act as a complement to a linking verb.
- Example: Her favorite activity is dancing.
(उसकी पसंदीदा गतिविधि नृत्य करना है।)
- As Objects of Prepositions:
- Gerunds can also follow prepositions.
- Example: She is interested in learning new languages.
(वह नई भाषाएँ सीखने में रुचि रखती है।)
Examples of Gerunds in Sentences
- As Subject:
- Jogging every morning keeps me fit.
(हर सुबह दौड़ना मुझे फिट रखता है।)
- Jogging every morning keeps me fit.
- As Object:
- I love traveling during the holidays.
(मुझे छुट्टियों में यात्रा करना पसंद है।)
- I love traveling during the holidays.
- As Subject Complement:
- His passion is writing stories.
(उसका जुनून कहानी लिखना है।)
- His passion is writing stories.
- After Prepositions:
- She is good at drawing.
(वह चित्र बनाने में अच्छी है।)
- She is good at drawing.
Gerunds vs. Present Participles
While both gerunds and present participles end in -ing, their functions are different:
- Gerunds function as nouns.
- Example: Baking is fun. (Here, “baking” is the subject of the sentence.)
- Present Participles function as adjectives or in continuous tenses.
- Example: The barking dog kept me awake. (Here, “barking” describes the noun “dog.”)
