Using gerunds

1. Listen and complete the ideas. Use the words in the box.

swimming – travelling – learning – reading a. The man is thinking about French. b. The woman likes c. during a storm is never a good idea. d. by plane is safer than by train. a. He usually goes home from school is good exercise. b. I have a new book. I love taking photos. c. She’s interested in reading short stories. d. Walking jogging in the morning. a. It is important to help people in need. Helping people in need is important. b. It is easy to ride a bike. c. It is wrong to lie. d. It is necessary to finish the report today.

2. Match the two halves of the sentences.

3. Rephrase the sentences.

4. Complete the mini dialogues with gerunds. Use the prompts in the box. quit – rain – buy – work a. Beth: I’m bored. What can I do? b. David: Why are you saving money?

Camille: When it stops we can go for a walk.

Joe: I’m considering a new phone.

Useful tip!

A gerund is a verb + -ing We use them:

1. As the subject of a sentence. Exercising is good for your health.

2. After some verbs. They go camping once a year.

3. After prepositions. I’m scared of failing

Grammar Reference, p. 113

Useful tip!

Common verbs followed by gerunds: begin, stop, consider, continue, dislike, enjoy, imagine, keep, like, love, hate, try.

c. Peter: I can’t solve this! It’s very difficult. Teacher: Keep on You are doing it right.

d. Man: Do you like your job?

Woman: Not really. I usually think about