'- ING' FORM

The gerund always has the same function as a noun (although it looks like a verb)

So it can be used: a.as the subject of the sentence b. as the complement of the verb 'to be' c. after prepositions. The gerund must be used when a verb comes after a preposition

d. after a number of 'phrasal verbs' which are composed of a verb + preposition/adverb e. in compound nouns f. after the expressions

the subject of the sentence  Hunting elephants is dangerous.  Flying makes me nervous  Eating people is wrong.

the complement of the verb 'to be'  One of his duties is attending meetings.  The hardest thing about learning English is understanding the gerund.  One of life's pleasures is having breakfast in bed.

after prepositions  She is good at painting.  They're keen on windsurfing.  We arrived in Madrid after driving all night.

After 'phrasal verbs'  When are you going to give up smoking?  She always puts off going to the dentist.  He kept on asking for money.

in compound nouns a driving lesson, a swimming pool, bird-watching

after the expressions can't help, can't stand, it's no use/good, and the adjective worth:  I can't stand being stuck in traffic jams.  It's no use/good trying to escape.  It might be worth phoning the station to check the time of the train.

1.The gerund is the -ing form of the verb used as a noun. 2.Frequently, the gerund is preceded by a preposition 3.The gerund is traditionally preceded by the possessive form of the pronoun: She objected to his playing golf on their wedding anniversary.