Are you confused about when to use a gerund after certain verbs? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many learners struggle with choosing the correct verb form and placement, which can impact the clarity and correctness of their communication.
So how do verbs followed by gerund work? In English, some verbs must be directly followed by a gerund (the -ing form of a verb) to complete their meaning. Knowing these verbs and their correct usage helps you speak and write more confidently and accurately. For instance, in the sentence “I enjoy reading,” the verb “enjoy” is followed by the gerund “reading,” making the sentence grammatically correct and natural.
Keep reading to understand which verbs are followed by gerunds, how to use them correctly, and see helpful tips and common mistakes to avoid. This guide will give you a comprehensive understanding of this important aspect of English grammar, ensuring you never get confused again!
What Are Verbs Followed By Gerund?
In English, certain verbs are traditionally followed by a gerund. A gerund is the -ing form of a verb that functions as a noun. When used after specific verbs, gerunds help express actions, feelings, or states related to the subject.
Definition List:
- Gerund: The -ing form of a verb acting as a noun.
- Verb + Gerund: A grammar pattern where a main verb requires a gerund to complete its meaning.
These verb + gerund combinations are common in everyday English and often appear in both formal and informal contexts.
Common Verbs Followed By Gerund
Here is a detailed list of common verbs that are always followed by a gerund:
| Verb | Example Sentence | Meaning/Usage |
|---|---|---|
| enjoy | I enjoy listening to music. | To like doing something |
| avoid | She avoids speaking in public. | To keep from doing something |
| consider | Have you considered moving to a new city? | To think about doing something |
| suggest | He suggested going to the park later. | To propose doing something |
| mind | Do you mind opening the window? | To object to doing something |
| practice | She practices playing the piano daily. | To do something repeatedly to improve |
| admit | He admitted stealing the cookies. | To confess or acknowledge |
| deny | They deny breaking the rules. | To say something is not true |
| keep | I keep forgetting her name. | To continue doing something |
| postpone | They postponed meeting until tomorrow. | To delay doing something |
| finish | We finished completing the project. | To complete an activity |
| imagine | Can you imagine living on Mars? | To visualize doing something |
| risk | He risked losing everything. | To take a chance involving an action |
| dislike | She dislikes waking up early. | To not enjoy or avoid doing something |
Note:
- Some verbs like stop, consider, or suggest can sometimes be followed by a gerund or an infinitive, but most often, the gerund form is preferred with these verbs.
How To Use Verbs Followed by Gerund Correctly
Positioning and Formation
- Verb + Gerund: The verb is directly followed by the gerund.
- She enjoys singing.
- They avoid talking during the meeting.
Multiple Verbs in a Sentence
- When using more than one verb, use the correct order for clarity:
- He started singing and then stopped suddenly.
- I keep forgetting her name.
Verb Combinations with Gerunds
- Some verbs naturally combine with gerunds:
- Look forward to, be used to, it's no use, can't help, etc.
Tips for Proper Usage
- Always remember that after certain verbs, the next verb must be in gerund form.
- When in doubt, consult a trusted grammar resource or test the sentence’s meaning; if it makes sense with a gerund, that’s likely the correct form.
Rich Vocabulary & Nuances in Verb + Gerund Usage
Incorporating a rich vocabulary enhances your language skills. The verbs introduced here often convey subtle shades of meaning. For example:
- Enjoy vs. admit: “Enjoy” shows pleasure, while “admit” indicates acknowledgment.
- Avoid vs. deny: Both involve negative actions but differ in intent and usage.
Using varied vocabulary adds depth and precision to your writing and speaking.
Proper Order When Using Multiple Verbs and Gerunds
Sometimes, you may have multiple actions to describe. Proper ordering ensures clarity:
- Use the appropriate sequence based on the intended meaning.
- Example: “She started practicing playing guitar and continued enjoying it.”
- Be cautious of mixing infinitives and gerunds in complex sentences.
Example Table:
| Correct Order | Explanation |
|---|---|
| She stopped smoking and started exercising. | Two consecutive actions, both followed by gerunds, correctly chosen. |
| She decided to quit smoking and started exercising. | Mixing infinitive (“to quit”) with gerund (“exercising”) in a compound sentence. |
Why Rich Vocabulary Matters in Grammar
Having a rich vocabulary amplifies your ability to express nuanced ideas. It allows you to select precise verbs that fit the context, making your communication clearer and more engaging. Plus, it elevates your language from basic to sophisticated.
Deep Dive into Verbs Followed By Gerund
Let’s explore five main categories of adjectives, nouns, and roles that commonly take gerunds:
1. Personality Traits
- Loving, caring, nurturing, patient
- She is loving helping others.
- Example: “He is patient waiting for his turn.”
2. Physical Descriptions
- Tall, petite, beautiful, muscular
- She is tall running marathons.
- Example: “The tall girl is always winning races.”
3. Role-Based Descriptors
- Supportive, involved, single, motivated
- They are motivated working hard.
- Example: “As a supportive friend, she always enjoys helping others.”
4. Common Phrases
- “Be used to” + gerund: He is used to waking up early.
- “Look forward to”: I look forward to seeing you.
Grammar Instruction & Practice Exercises
Correct Usage & Formation
- Always use the verb + gerund pattern after specific verbs.
- Practice sentences:
- Fill-in-the-blank: “She suggested ____ (go) to the beach.”
- Error correction: “He enjoys to play football.” → Correct: “He enjoys playing football.”
- Sentence construction: Compose sentences using the verbs listed above followed by gerunds.
Sample Exercises:
- Fill in the blank: I (consider) __________ moving to a new city.
- Identify mistakes: “She denied to tell the truth.” – Corrected: “She denied telling the truth.”
- Matching: Match verbs with their correct gerund form in a sentence.
Tips for Success
- Memorize common verb + gerund combinations.
- Practice constructing sentences daily to internalize patterns.
- Read extensively for context and usage.
- Use grammar checkers or writing apps to catch mistakes.
Common Mistakes & How To Avoid Them
| Mistake | Correct Usage | Tips to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Using infinitive after a verb that takes gerund | She enjoys to sing. → She enjoys singing. | Remember verbs like enjoy, avoid require gerunds. |
| Mixing gerund and infinitive incorrectly | She stopped to smoke. → She stopped smoking. | Learn specific verbs’ patterns and stick to them. |
| Omitting the gerund after specific verbs | He suggested go to the park. → He suggested going to the park. | Use a list to memorize verbs followed by gerunds. |
Variations & Related Forms
Some verbs can take either a gerund or an infinitive with a slight change in meaning:
| Verb | Gerund Example | Infinitive Example | Meaning Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| like | I like reading. | I like to read. | Same core meaning, but style/context varies |
| stop | She stopped smoking. | She stopped to smoke. | In the first, she quit; in the second, she paused to do something else |
Why Practice Matters
Mastering verbs followed by gerund forms is vital for smooth, natural English. Practice helps you recognize patterns, avoid mistakes, and expand your expressive power. Remember, a rich vocabulary combined with proper grammar opens doors to better communication.
Conclusion
Understanding and correctly using verbs followed by gerunds might seem challenging at first, but with consistent practice, it becomes second nature. Remember to learn the common verb + gerund patterns, practice constructing sentences, and avoid typical pitfalls. With this guide, you’re now equipped to elevate your English with confidence and clarity. Happy learning!
Ready to take your grammar skills to the next level? Keep practicing these patterns, and soon you’ll be speaking and writing more fluently than ever!
