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Farooq Haider

THE GERUND
. Read this sentence:-
Reading is his favourite pastime.
The word reading is formed from the Verb read, by adding ing.
We also see that it is here used as the Subject of a verb, and hence does the work of a
Noun. It is, therefore, a Verb-Noun, and is called a Gerund.
Further examples of Gerund:-
1. Playing cards is not allowed here. 2. I like reading poetry.
3. He is fond of hoarding money.
In sentence 1, the Gerund, like a noun, is the subject of a verb, but, like a verb, it also
takes an object, thus clearly showing that it has also the force of a verb.
In sentence 2, the Gerund, like a noun, is the object of a verb but, like a verb, it also takes
an object, thus clearly showing that it has also the force of a verb.
In sentence 3, the Gerund, like a noun, is governed by a preposition, but, like a verb, it
also takes an object.
It will be noticed that the Infinitive and the Gerund are alike in being used as Nouns,
while still retaining the power that a Verb has of governing another noun or pronoun in
the objective case.
Def.- A Gerund is that form of the verb which ends in -ing, and has the force of a Noun
and a verb.
As both the Gerund and the Infinitive have the force of a Noun and a Verb, they
have the same uses. Thus in many sentences either of them may be used without any
special difference in meaning; as,

• Teach me to swim. • Seeing is believing.

• To see is to believe. • To give is better than to receive.
• Teach me swimming. • Giving is better than receiving.
276. The following sentences contain examples of Compound Gerund forms:-
I heard of his having gained a prize.
We were fatigued on account of having walked so far.
They were charged with having sheltered anarchists.
He is desirous of being praised.
It will be noticed that Compound Gerund forms are formed by placing a Past Participle
after the Gerunds of have and be.
280. In such Compound nouns as
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Farooq Haider

walking-stick fencing-stick,
frying-pan writing-table,
hunting-whip,

walking, frying, hunting, fencing, writing are Gerunds.

They mean ‘a stick for walking,’ ‘a pan for frying,’ ‘a whip for hunting,’ ‘a stick for
fencing,’ and ‘a table for writing.’
281. Compare the following two sentences:
1. I hope you will excuse my leaving early.
2. I hope you will excuse me leaving early.
In the first sentence the word preceding the gerund is in the possessive case, while in the
second sentence it is in the objective case. Both the sentences are correct. We can use
either the possessive case or objective case of nouns and pronouns before gerunds. The
possessive is more formal, and it is less usual in everyday speech. Here are further
examples:
We rejoiced at his/him being promoted.
I insist on your/you being present.
Do you mind my/me sitting here?
All depends on Karim's/Karim passing the exam.
I disliked the manager's/manager asking me personal questions.
The accident was due to the engine-driver's/engine-driver disregarding the signals.
Use of the Gerund
282. A Gerund being a verb-noun may be used (3) Object of a preposition; as,
as -
I am tired of waiting.
(1) Subject of a verb: as
He is fond of swimming.
Seeing is believing.
He was punished for telling a lie.
Hunting deer is not allowed in this country.
We were prevented from seeing the prisoner.
(2) Object of a transitive verb; as,
I have an aversion to fishing,
Stop playing.
(4) Complement of a verb; as,
Children love making mud castles.
Seeing is believing.
I like reading poetry.
What I most detest is smoking.
He contemplated marrying his cousin.