Meaning & use
gerund
Last updated
A verb form ending in '-ing' that functions as a noun in a sentence.
See it in a sentence
In the sentence 'Swimming is great exercise,' 'swimming' is a gerund.
She loves reading, and reading, in turn, has expanded her vocabulary.
A note on using this word
Easy to confuse with a present participle, which also ends in '-ing' but functions as a verb or adjective rather than a noun.
Words with a similar meaning
verbal noun
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Make it your own
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