Mastering Gerunds in English

What are Gerunds?

In English, verbs can change their form depending on what comes after them. Two of the most common forms are:

Gerunds = the -ing form of a verb, used like a noun.
Example: Swimming is fun.

🌟 Gerunds Look Like Verbs, But Act Like Nouns

Yes, -ing is often used in continuous tenses (like I am eating) — but when a verb ends in -ing and is used as a subject or object, that’s called a gerund. In this case, it acts like a noun, not a verb.

🔹 Examples of Gerunds (used like nouns):

• Swimming is fun. → “Swimming” is the subject of the sentence.

• I love cooking. → “Cooking” is the object of “love.”

So even though it ends in -ing, it’s not showing continuous action. It’s actually naming an activity — that’s what nouns do

🔹Compare with Continues Verbs

Let’s compare it to a continuous tense:

• She is cooking dinner. → This is a verb (present continuous).

• She enjoys cooking. → This is a gerund (noun, the thing she enjoys).

🔹 “Go + Gerund” = Natural Phrases

When talking about activities or hobbies, English uses this pattern:

➡️ go + -ing verb

Examples:

• go swimming

• go hiking

• go dancing

• go surfing

• go camping

🗣 “Let’s go shopping after lunch!”
🗣 “I went jogging this morning.”

These are set expressions and sound much more natural than saying “I did swimming.

🎯 Final Thoughts

💬 When in doubt, memorise verb patterns and listen to natural English. Watching shows with subtitles or listening to native speakers helps you get used to hearing what “sounds right.”

Over time, you’ll start using gerunds naturally without even thinking about it!

Want to test your Gerund skills and learn more about it?

We created printable worksheets with Japanese translations so you can understand better and practice more!

🔜 Coming soon — grammar bundles & worksheets will be available here!
Follow us on Instagram@kohaku_english_online for updates 💛

Disclaimer:

English has many exceptions, and sometimes native speakers break the rules too! The explanations here are meant to give you a strong foundation, but don’t worry if you come across something different in real life. With practice and exposure, it will all start to feel more natural!