A gerund is formed from a verb but can behave like a non.
- It can be the subject of a sentence of clause.
Satisfying the customer is the aim of every business.
- It can be the object of a sentence of clause.
I hate listening to computerized voicemail mazes.
- It often follows a preposition.
They became successful by listening to their customers.
A useful way to use gerunds is in lists.(See page 96, Exercise A, ‘on the phone’)
Gerunds are formed by adding –ing to the base form of the verb:
launch launching; involue involving; get getting
Begin, start, continue and intend can be followed by the gerund or to with little or no difference in meaning.
Some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, but the choice can
Lead to change in meaning.
- She remembered to update the customer database.(She didn’t forget.)
- She remembered updating the customer database.(She has a clear memory of this)