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.

Words and Phrases Followed by Infinitive

Gerund and Infinitive

Verbs that Change Meaning with Infinitive or Gerund.

Grammar Patterns after Reporting Verbs

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