However, they function as nouns rather than verbs. Gerund as subject: Analyzing the data was fun. Gerund as direct object: We contemplated analyzing the data. Gerund as object of a prepositional phrase: By analyzing the data, we documented differences between the treatments.

What are examples of gerunds?

A gerund is the noun form of a verb that ends in -ing. For example, playing, dancing, eating. Right away this is confusing for students, as they are used to seeing that form as the continuous/progressive form of the verb (“she is eating”, “they were dancing”).

How do you know if it's a gerund?

A gerund is the –ing form of a verb that functions the same as a noun. For example, “Running is fun.” In this sentence, “running” is the gerund. It acts just like a noun.