<P> A gerund ( / ˈdʒɛrənd , - ʌnd / abbreviated GER ) is a verb form that functions as a noun . Although similar to a verbal noun , the two are not identical , as a gerund retains properties of a verb , whereas a verbal noun does not ; in English this is most evident in the fact that a gerund can be modified by an adverb and can take a direct object . The term `` - ing form '' is often used in English to refer to the gerund specifically . Traditional grammar made a distinction within - ing forms between present participles and gerunds , a distinction that is not observed in such modern , linguistically informed grammars as A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language and The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language . </P>
<P> A gerund ( / ˈdʒɛrənd , - ʌnd / abbreviated GER ) is a verb form that functions as a noun . Although similar to a verbal noun , the two are not identical , as a gerund retains properties of a verb , whereas a verbal noun does not ; in English this is most evident in the fact that a gerund can be modified by an adverb and can take a direct object . The term `` - ing form '' is often used in English to refer to the gerund specifically . Traditional grammar made a distinction within - ing forms between present participles and gerunds , a distinction that is not observed in such modern , linguistically informed grammars as A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language and The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language . </P>
what is the meaning of gerunds in english
what is the meaning of gerunds in english
a verb form that functions as a noun
a verb form that functions as a noun