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Gerund vs. Verb. How to Distinguish?

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Gerund vs. Verb. How to Distinguish?

by mnautss » Sat Mar 26, 2016 11:07 pm
Hello mates,
I just studied that a Gerund is made from a 'VERB' with an 'ING' in the end.
And that it acts as a noun.

I am not clear though that when facing a sentence starting such as:
"Typing quickly...", how do I distinguish that the word "TYPING" here acts as a gerund(a noun) or a verb in its present participle form?
This is just one example. Is there any general rule to distinguish?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thank you,

Mohit
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by fabiocafarelli » Sun Mar 27, 2016 3:11 am
A present participle becomes a gerund - i.e. a noun - when it acts as the subject or the object of a verb. To take your example of typing:

1. Typing IS an efficient way of getting words onto a page. (SUBJECT)
2. Typing quickly MAY CAUSE a typist to make mistakes. (SUBJECT)
3. Inexperienced typists should LEARN typing. (OBJECT)
4. This computer program TEACHES typing. (OBJECT)

Now look at this example: Swimming (SUBJECT) IS a very complete sport, but some people PREFER running, cycling, or skiing. (3 OBJECTS)

In the following sentences, TYPING is a present participle. It is not the subject or doer of the action, but rather is itself part of the action.

1. Typing quickly, the secretary finished the letter.
2. People often used to smoke while they were typing.

There is more that could be said on this matter, but the above is a simple resumé.

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