GERUND Meaning and
Definition
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A gerund is a type of verb used as a noun, derived from the present participle form of a verb and ending in -ing. In English grammar, it serves the purpose of representing an action or a state as a noun, combining the characteristics of both a verb and a noun.
Gerunds are commonly used to express ongoing or continuous actions, and they can be used in various contexts within a sentence. They can function as subjects, objects, and complements, as well as being part of prepositional phrases or used to form compound nouns.
For example, in the sentence "Swimming is my favorite exercise," the word "swimming" functions as the subject of the sentence, representing the activity as a noun. Similarly, in the sentence "I enjoy reading," the word "reading" acts as the direct object, indicating the activity that brings pleasure.
It is important to note that gerunds are distinct from present participles, as gerunds are used as nouns while present participles are used as adjectives or to form verb tenses. For instance, in the sentence "She was running late," the word "running" is a present participle describing the state of the subject, whereas in "Running is good for your health," it functions as a gerund, acting as the subject of the sentence.
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In Latin gram., a kind of verbal noun governing cases like a participle.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Other Common Misspellings for GERUND
Etymology of GERUND
The word "gerund" comes from the Latin word "gerundium", which is derived from the Latin word "gerere", meaning "to carry on, to perform". In Latin grammar, the term "gerundium" referred to a verbal form that functioned as a noun, combining both verb and noun characteristics. This Latin term was then adapted and anglicized in Old French as "gerund", which eventually entered the English language in the 15th century.
Similar spelling words for GERUND
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