Gerund (gerund) is a basic grammar knowledge that everyone needs to understand to apply in daily communication situations, especially with the IELTS test. Gerunds are a flexible and useful word type because they allow us to talk and write about actions in a more abstract way, positioning those actions as the reason leading to specific results and preferences.
So what is the Gerund structure? When to use Gerund in a sentence? Let's find out the details with IDP through the article below!
1. What Is a Gerund?
A gerund is the -ing form of a verb that functions as a noun in a sentence. It allows us to refer to actions in an abstract way and is commonly used in both everyday conversation and academic writing—especially in the IELTS exam.
Example: As a food blogger, eating is an involved production for Hanna.
To form the negative of a gerund, simply add “not” before the gerund.
Example:
Not exercising regularly is dangerous for your health.
One way to weaken our health is not doing exercise.
2. Gerund Position in a Sentence
Gerund trong Tiếng Anh vừa có tính chất của động từ (có thể đứng trước một tân ngữ), vừa có tính chất của một danh từ (có thể đặt ở mọi vị trí mà một danh từ có thể đứng).
Danh động từ có thể đứng ở những vị trí như:
Đứng đầu câu làm chủ ngữ | Playing tennis is one of his greatest satisfactions. |
Đứng sau động từ làm tân ngữ | I enjoy shopping for clothes and shoes. |
Đứng sau to be làm bổ ngữ | David Smith is a student. His hobby is writing. |
Đứng sau giới từ và liên từ | I’m good at drawing. |
Đứng sau một vài động từ, danh từ, tính từ nhất định | I get used to getting up early in the morning. |
3. How to Use Gerunds in a Sentence
Here are the four main ways gerunds are used:
Function | Example |
|---|---|
Subject of a sentence | Building societies make loans to creditworthy customers. |
Object of a verb | One of my hobbies is covering hot songs. |
Complement of the subject | Anna’s biggest dream is traveling around the world. |
After prepositions and conjunctions | Nga had cleaned her house before going out with friends. |
4. Gerund vs. Noun – Key Differences
Feature | Gerund | Noun |
|---|---|---|
Followed by an object? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Article usage? | ❌ No article | ✅ May use “a,” “an,” “the” |
Modifier type | Modified by adverbs | Modified by adjectives |
Examples:
We should avoid eating too much fast food. (gerund)
We should avoid fast food. (noun)
Using computers is popular now. (gerund)
The computer is popular now. (noun)
5. Gerund vs. Verb – Key Differences
Feature | Gerund | Verb |
|---|---|---|
Acts as main verb? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Can be a subject? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Examples:
I enjoy studying in the library. (gerund)
I study in the library. (verb)
Getting good marks makes me happy. (gerund)
I will get good marks in Math. (verb)
6. Practice Exercises – Gerund Sentences (with Answers)
Exercise 1: Rewrite sentences using the gerund form of the verbs
She likes painting.
I can’t bear listening to loud music.
He enjoys playing badminton.
My sister dreams of setting up her own business.
He is interested in emigrating to another country.
Are you good at dancing?
She is crazy about reading romantic novels.
I can’t help laughing when watching comedy shows.
I can’t imagine being anywhere else but here.
You should give up smoking; it’s not good for your health.
Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks with the correct gerund
Word bank: turning / solving / going / working / making / smoking / standing / studying / talking / preparing
Don’t forget to lock the door before going to bed.
Did you succeed in solving the problem?
Ask him to come in. Don’t keep him standing at the door.
You should think carefully before making a decision.
Stop arguing and start working.
The doctor advised him to give up smoking.
I’m doing my homework, so please stop talking.
By studying hard, he passed the exam.
The children are used to preparing new lessons.
Do you mind turning on the lights?
Master the Gerund for IELTS with IDP
Understanding how and when to use gerunds is essential for improving your grammar and scoring higher in the IELTS exam. Gerunds allow you to express complex ideas more naturally and fluently in both writing and speaking.
At IDP, we provide:
Free IELTS mock tests
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You can register for the IELTS computer-based test with flexible scheduling options. All practice exams follow real test standards and are assessed by Cambridge experts.
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