Words and Phrases Followed by a Gerund

Words and Phrases Followed by a Gerund

Hello English learners! If you’ve reached a pre-intermediate or intermediate level, this lesson is for you. We’ll look at common words and phrases followed by a gerund — that is, a verb ending in -ing.

What is a gerund?

A gerund is a verb form ending in -ing that functions like a noun in a sentence. It combines features of both a verb and a noun.

• Swimming is good for you.
• I don’t mind helping you move house.

When do we use a gerund?

1. As the subject or object of a sentence

Gerunds can act as nouns.

• Smoking is bad for you.
• Flying always makes me nervous.

2. After verbs of preference

Some verbs are usually followed by a gerund: like, love, dislike, enjoy, fancy, hate, don’t mind, etc.

• I hate waking up early.
• Sarah enjoys spending her holidays in the Bahamas.
• Thomas fancies going to clubs on Friday nights.

Tip: We can also use “would like/love/hate/prefer” + to infinitive (not gerund).

• I’d love to go out tonight.

3. After “go” for physical activities

We often use go + -ing to talk about recreational or physical activities.

• We went skiing last winter.
• John goes running every morning.
• They love going swimming in the sea.

4. After certain verbs

Many common verbs are followed by a gerund, not an infinitive.

Here are some examples: suggest, avoid, mind, admit, spend, imagine, deny, prevent, finish, start, propose, keep, consider.

• Jack has finished working.
• Monica avoided driving during rush hour.
• Would you mind not smoking here?
• They suggested flying to India.
• They are considering living in London.
• Although it was very hot, they kept walking.

5. After certain expressions and phrases

Some fixed expressions and adjective phrases also take a gerund: can’t stand, be busy, be worth, be used to, give up, feel like, have trouble, look forward to, seem/look like, it’s (no) use, there’s no point (in)

• Fay couldn’t stop thinking about Martin and his proposal.
• I’m looking forward to seeing you next week.
• Sarah was busy packing in the other room, so she didn’t hear the doorbell.
• It’s no use buying winter clothes if you live in a tropical country.
• I’m used to eating breakfast as soon as I wake up.

Note: After to in these expressions (look forward to, be used to, be committed to, object to, etc.), we still use a gerund — not an infinitive!

6. After prepositions

Gerunds always follow prepositions.

• After some time, Sylvia got tired of waiting.
• He left without taking his umbrella.
• Our children are interested in learning foreign languages.
• The student was punished for cheating on the exam.
• Heidi improved her essay by adding a few linkers.
• Why don’t you ask someone to help you instead of doing it alone?
• Don’t forget to take your sandwich before leaving.

Now that you know when to use a gerund, you should read the post about Words and Phrases Followed by Infinitive in order to complete your knowledge of verb patterns in English.
I also recommend reading about Verbs that Change Meaning with Infinitive or Gerund.

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