No one seems to like a Grammar Nerd.

But if you are preparing to take the PTE Writing Test, you'd appreciate the importance of grammar.

Pearson lists "using correct grammar" as one of the PTE-Academic sub-skills. Pearson also lists the use of Gerunds as one of the focus areas for test-takers.

In this blog post, we'll discuss the concept of gerunds and its various uses.

Using gerunds effectively will help you in the following question types:

1. Summarize Written Text & essay (Writing)
2. Fill in the blanks (Reading)
3. Summarize Spoken Text & Fill in the blanks (Listening, Reading: Reading & Writing)
4. Describe Image & Re-tell lecture (Speaking)

So, let's dive right into it.

What are Gerunds?

A Gerund is that form of a verb, which ends in an '-ing' & has the force of a verb & a noun.

Consider this sentence:

Writing is his favourite pastime.

The word 'writing' is formed by adding '-ing' to the verb 'write'. In this sentence, 'Writing' is used as the subject, & hence it functions as a Noun.

'Writing' is used as a verb-noun, & it is called a Gerund.

Gerunds & gerund phrases can be used as:

1. Subject

In this case, the gerund acts as a noun. It functions as the subject in the sentence.

Some examples:

1. Eating sugar is detrimental to your health.
2. Running is my favourite hobby.
3. Shopping is an activity that helps her to relax.

In the above sentence, "Eating sugar" is an example of a gerund phrase used as a subject. "Running" & "Shopping" are samples of gerunds used as subjects.

2. Direct Object

Gerunds & gerund phrases can sometimes be used as direct objects in the sentences.

Let us study some examples:

1. I love fishing with my buddies.
2. Paul dislikes lying.
3. John likes reading newspapers.

"Fishing with my buddies" is a gerund phrase used as a direct object receiving the action of the transitive verb "love".

"Lying" is a gerund used as a direct object receiving the action of the transitive verb "dislikes".

"Reading newspapers" is a gerund phrase functioning as a direct object receiving the action of the transitive verb "likes".

3. Object of Preposition

A Gerund/gerund phrase is also used as the object of a preposition.

Here are some examples:

1. I am thinking of moving to Jersey
2. I am interested in improving my English
3. Are you afraid of losing?

The gerund phrase "moving to Jersey" is used as the object of the preposition "of".

The gerund phrase "improving my English" is used as the object of the preposition "in".

The gerund "losing" is used as the object of the preposition "of".

4. Subject Complement

Gerunds/Gerund phrases are also used as subject complements.

What is a subject complement?

It is a word(s) that follows the linking verb in a sentence.

Here are some examples:

1. John's idea of an ideal vacation is trekking in Ladakh.
2. Cynthia's favourite hobby is gardening.

In the above examples, "trekking in Ladakh" is a gerund phrase which follows the linking verb "is".

"Gardening" is a gerund that follow the linking verbs "is".

We hope that through this post, you've learnt about Gerunds & their uses in detail.

With enough practice, you will be able to use the concept in the PTE-A exam, as proof of your proficiency in English.

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Best of luck for the test!