A noun formed by adding -ing to the verb-stem is known as what?

A noun formed by adding -ing to the verb-stem is known as what?

• A. Gerund
• B. Participle
• C. Infinitive
• D. Noun

Answer: (A)

The form you get by adding -ing to a verb stem and using as a noun is called a gerund. A gerund behaves like a noun in a sentence, so it can function as a subject, an object, or a complement. For example, in Running keeps me healthy, the word running acts as the subject. The same -ing form can also appear as a noun in I enjoy swimming, where swimming is the object of enjoy. Keep in mind that not every -ing form is serving as a noun. When the -ing form is used to describe or modify something, as in the running water, it’s serving as an adjective or part of a verb phrase (present participle). The infinitive form uses to plus the base verb (to run) and isn’t created by adding -ing. A plain noun is a different word class altogether, not defined by the -ing ending. So, the noun form created from the verb by adding -ing is a gerund.

The form you get by adding -ing to a verb stem and using as a noun is called a gerund. A gerund behaves like a noun in a sentence, so it can function as a subject, an object, or a complement. For example, in Running keeps me healthy, the word running acts as the subject. The same -ing form can also appear as a noun in I enjoy swimming, where swimming is the object of enjoy.

Keep in mind that not every -ing form is serving as a noun. When the -ing form is used to describe or modify something, as in the running water, it’s serving as an adjective or part of a verb phrase (present participle). The infinitive form uses to plus the base verb (to run) and isn’t created by adding -ing. A plain noun is a different word class altogether, not defined by the -ing ending. So, the noun form created from the verb by adding -ing is a gerund.