44 Gerunds vs Present Participles

The “-ing” suffix is commonly used to create both Nouns and Verbs.

When it is used as a Noun it is considered a Gerund.

When it is used as a Verb we refer to it as a Present Participle.

Gerund functions like a Noun, while Present Participle can be the Verb, Adverb and Adjective which modifies nouns.

Both Gerund and Present Participle have the same structure:
Base form + “ing”.

Below are some differences between the two “-ing” forms:

Gerund

• Building a tree house is very amusing. (Subject)
• Being happy is more important than appearing happy. (Subject, Complement)
• Her living in the shopping district makes it easier for us to see her. (Possessive Determinative)

Present participle

• I was slowly building the house. (Adverb, Verb)
• A wonderful rainbow appeared behind the police station, leaving behind different colours. (Verb)
• This area is frightening. (Adjective)

Gerund and Present Participle have the same structure but they have functional differences.

The ing-form is used commonly as both to create nouns and verbs. When used as a noun it is considered a Gerund, whereas when used as a verb, adverb or adjective we refer to it as a Present Participle.

For example:
— “Waking up early can be hard.” = Gerund “waking up” is used as a noun.
— “The sun was rising.” = Present Participle “rising” is used as a verb.

Let’s revise this content within the [Form] section. Take a look at the [Example] section that shows its use within a context.