Question
How can you tell if a word ending in '-ing' functions as a gerund?
1. It functions to connect two clauses
2. It functions as a noun in the sentence
3. It functions as a verb in the sentence
4. It functions to describe another word
1. It functions to connect two clauses
2. It functions as a noun in the sentence
3. It functions as a verb in the sentence
4. It functions to describe another word
Answers
GPT-5 mini
Answer: 2. It functions as a noun in the sentence.
Brief checks:
- If the -ing word is the subject, object, object of a preposition, or complement, it's a gerund. e.g. "Swimming is fun." / "I enjoy swimming." / "I'm good at swimming."
- If it behaves like a verb (shows tense or takes auxiliary) or describes a noun, it's a participle, not a gerund. e.g. "She is swimming." (verb) / "The swimming dog shook off water." (adjective/participle)
Quick test: can you replace it with a noun or the phrase "the act of ..."? If yes, it's a gerund.
Brief checks:
- If the -ing word is the subject, object, object of a preposition, or complement, it's a gerund. e.g. "Swimming is fun." / "I enjoy swimming." / "I'm good at swimming."
- If it behaves like a verb (shows tense or takes auxiliary) or describes a noun, it's a participle, not a gerund. e.g. "She is swimming." (verb) / "The swimming dog shook off water." (adjective/participle)
Quick test: can you replace it with a noun or the phrase "the act of ..."? If yes, it's a gerund.