Gerunds – the 'ing' form

A gerund is formed by adding ‘ing’ to the end of a verb. This form is like a noun.

I like listening to music.
Watching TV is not always good for you.
Doing exercise is important.
I spent the whole morning studying.
My hobby is playing the guitar.
They enjoy partying.

In each of the sentences above the –ing form is a noun not a verb.

The gerund can have a possessive noun or pronoun before it.

I don’t want you misunderstanding me.
We were amazed by his singing.
Don’t be angry with her coming late.

Now complete the following using the correct form.

• 1. He likes _ early.
  
  wake up
  waking up
  
  
• 2. We went to _ together.
  
  partying
  the party
  
  
• 3. She enjoys _ cakes.
  
  to bake
  baking
  
  
• 4. _ is a good way to open your mind.
  
  travel
  travelling
  
  
• 5. She loves _ shoes.
  
  buy
  buying
  
  
• 6. Children hate _ to bed.
  
  going
  go