• Linguistics and Language -> Grammar and Syntax

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Can gerunds be used as subjects of a sentence? If so, how?

Velda Naisbitt

Yes, gerunds can be used as subjects of a sentence. A gerund is a noun formed from a verb by adding “ing” to the end, such as “swimming” or “running.” When used as a subject, a gerund serves the same purpose as any other noun – it names a person, place, thing, or idea.

To use a gerund as the subject of a sentence, simply place it at the beginning of the sentence followed by a verb that agrees with the subject in number (singular or plural) and tense (past, present, or future). For example, “Running helps to improve your cardiovascular health,” or “Swimming is my favorite form of exercise.”

Gerunds can also be used as the object of a preposition or as the object of a verb. In these instances, the gerund still functions as a noun, but it is not the subject of the sentence. For example, “I enjoy reading books,” or “She is interested in learning new languages.”

Using gerunds as subjects can add interest and variety to your writing. Gerunds allow you to emphasize the action or activity of the sentence, rather than a specific person or thing. They also help to create a more active and lively writing style.

One thing to keep in mind is that not all verbs can be turned into gerunds. For example, “go” cannot be turned into a gerund. In cases like this, you can use an infinitive instead. An infinitive is a verb form that uses “to” plus the base form of the verb, such as “to go.” For example, “To go hiking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors.”

In summary, gerunds can be used as subjects of a sentence. To use a gerund as the subject, simply place it at the beginning of the sentence and make sure the verb agrees with the subject in number and tense. Gerunds are a great way to add interest and variety to your writing, but make sure to choose the right verb to turn into a gerund.