What is a Gerund: Definition, Rules, Examples for IELTS

What is a gerund is a common grammar question for IELTS aspirants who are aiming to improve their accuracy and fluency in English. A gerund is a form of verb that ends in “-ing” but functions as a noun, allowing speakers and writers to express actions as ideas or concepts. In the IELTS exam, correct use of gerunds enhances grammatical range and helps candidates produce more natural and formal sentences in both the Writing and Speaking sections. Understanding gerund rules and usage is therefore important for avoiding common errors and achieving a higher band score.

What is a Gerund?

Gerunds are an essential component of  Gerund in IELTS grammar. While they look like verbs, they act as nouns, allowing you to discuss actions as concepts or subjects. If you are describing a hobby in the Speaking test or discussing trends in the Gerund for IELTS Writing, using gerunds correctly makes your communication more sophisticated. Gaining a clear understanding of their usage can significantly enhance your E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) signals in academic writing.

Understanding Gerunds in English Grammar

Have you ever wondered how to turn an action into a subject? A gerund is a non-finite verb form that ends in "-ing" and performs the function of a noun. It can serve as a subject, an object, or a complement within a sentence structure. Grasping how to use gerunds makes your descriptions much more academic and fluid.

Gerund Detailed Notes

Gerunds play a vital role in IELTS grammar. They help candidates express complex ideas concisely. They make sentences more formal and precise by treating actions as objects of interest. Having this knowledge is important to improve sentence clarity and achieve a higher band score in effective communication.

Definition of a Gerund

A gerund is a word derived from a verb that functions as a noun by adding the suffix "-ing". It answers the question of "what" is happening as a concept rather than as an ongoing action. They are important for conveying formal tone in IELTS Writing Task 2.

Function of Gerunds in IELTS

These words serve to make your language more natural and varied. They can act as the subject of a sentence, the object of a verb, or follow a preposition. For example, saying "I like to swim" is correct, but using the gerund "Swimming is my favorite hobby" demonstrates a higher level of grammatical control.

Common Gerunds for IELTS

A broad range of verbs is commonly followed by gerunds in academic and general English. Here is a list of gerund-friendly verbs frequently employed in the IELTS exam:

Placement of Gerunds

The position of a gerund within a sentence depends on its role as a subject or object. Here are gerund examples with sentences:

Gerunds vs. Present Participles

While both end in "-ing," they serve different purposes. A gerund acts as a noun, whereas a present participle acts as a verb (in continuous tenses) or an adjective.

Common Gerund Mistakes in IELTS

One frequent error is confusing gerunds with infinitives (to + verb). Some verbs can only be followed by gerunds, and using an infinitive instead can lead to a loss of marks in the "Grammatical Range and Accuracy" criteria. For instance, saying "I enjoy to play" is incorrect; the correct form is "I enjoy playing".

Key IELTS Grammar Gerund Rules

Gerunds follow specific placement and usage rules that maintain clarity and academic tone. Knowing when to use a gerund instead of an infinitive is essential for constructing error-free sentences.

Rule 1: Gerunds after Prepositions: Always use a gerund after a preposition. For example, He is good at speaking.

Rule 2: Gerunds as Subjects: Use gerunds to start sentences when the action is the main topic. For example, Learning a new language takes time.

Rule 3: Specific Verb Patterns: Memorise verbs like 'avoid', 'suggest', and 'consider' that strictly require gerunds.