Use the gerund, the -ing form of the verb, as the subject of a sentence, as in swimming is good exercise, and always use it after a preposition, never the infinitive with to, as in she is good at cooking. The gerund functions as a noun in both cases.
Grammar Rule
The gerund (verb + -ing) functions as a noun. After any preposition we always use the gerund, never the infinitive with to.
Gerunds: Rules and Examples
| Use | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| As subject | gerund + verb | Swimming is good exercise. |
| After a preposition | preposition + gerund | She is good at cooking. I’m interested in learning Spanish. He left without saying goodbye. Thank you for helping me. |
Remember: after a preposition we always use the gerund, never to + verb.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using the gerund correctly as a subject or after a preposition. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
Gerunds (-ing Form) – As Subjects and After Prepositions
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can a gerund function as the subject of a sentence?
The gerund, the -ing form of the verb, can act like a noun and start a sentence, as in swimming is good exercise.
What form comes after a preposition?
A gerund always comes after a preposition, never the infinitive with to, as in she is good at cooking or I’m interested in learning Spanish.
What is a common mistake with gerunds after prepositions?
A common mistake is using to plus the base verb after a preposition instead of the gerund, such as saying good at to cook instead of good at cooking.
Can a gerund follow the preposition without?
Yes, without is followed by a gerund, as in he left without saying goodbye.