1. ESL 33A Grammar in Context

2. A gerund is the present participle of the verb without the be verb Riding a horse is a lot of fun. I enjoy riding a horse. I have been excited about riding horses ever since I was a child.

3. Gerund as Subject Helping others gives a person pleasure. Working hard is the only way to really make money. Getting a good education is important.

4. Gerunds after Prepositions and Nouns: verb + preposition + gerund Mark believes in helping others. adjective + preposition + gerund Julie is successful at getting good grades. verb + object + preposition + gerund Mario thanked his teacher for helping him succeed.

5. Verbs Followed by Gerunds AdmitdelayFinishPermitrecommend AdviseDenyImaginepostponeResent AppreciateDiscussKeep (on)PracticeRisk AvoidDislikeMindPut offStop considerenjoymissquitsuggest can’t help When I see a sad movie, I can’t help crying. Do you mind opening the door? I can’t put off buying a car. I need one now.

6. Verbs that can be followed by a gerund or infinitive with no difference in meaning: begincontinuelikeprefer can’t standhatelovestart I can’t stand doing homework. I can’t stand to do homework.

7. Infinitives and Gerunds as Subject An infinitive phrase can be the subject of a sentence. Begin the sentence with it and put the infinitive phrase at the end of the clause. It is rewarding to helping others. A gerund phrase can be used as subject. Helping others is very rewarding. An infinitive phrase can be used as subject, but it is very formal. To help others is very rewarding.