Grammar Focus

Gerunds (Γερούνδια)

A gerund is the -ing form of a verb used like a noun.

1. What is a gerund?

Examples

• Swimming is fun. → Το κολύμπι είναι διασκεδαστικό.
• Reading helps you learn. → Το διάβασμα σε βοηθά να μάθεις.
• Dancing makes me happy. → Ο χορός με κάνει χαρούμενο/η.

2. Gerund as the subject

A gerund can be the subject of a sentence.

3. Verbs followed by gerunds

Some verbs are often followed by a gerund.

Careful: After enjoy, use a gerund: I enjoy reading, not I enjoy to read.

4. Gerunds after prepositions

After a preposition, we usually use a gerund.

• She is good at drawing. → Είναι καλή στη ζωγραφική.
• Thank you for helping me. → Ευχαριστώ που με βοήθησες.
• He is interested in learning English. → Ενδιαφέρεται να μάθει Αγγλικά.
• I’m tired of waiting. → Βαρέθηκα/κουράστηκα να περιμένω.

5. Spelling rules for -ing

6. Practice

A. Change the verbs into gerunds.

1. swim → __________
2. dance → __________
3. run → __________
4. make → __________
5. lie → __________

B. Complete the sentences.

1. I like __________ (play) basketball.
2. She enjoys __________ (read) books.
3. They hate __________ (clean) their room.
4. He is good at __________ (draw).
5. Thank you for __________ (help) me.

C. Choose the correct answer.

1. Swimming / Swim is fun.
2. I enjoy to dance / dancing.
3. She is interested in learn / learning English.

D. Write your own sentences.

1. I like __________________________.
2. I don’t like __________________________.
3. I am good at __________________________.