Grammar: B1 - ⚙️ Verbs in Depth: 🎭 Modals & 🌱 Non-Finite Verbs (Introduction) - Lesson 10: Gerunds as Subjects of sentences (Swimming is fun.)

Grammar: Verb Patterns

B2 Lesson 10: Gerunds as Subjects

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to use a gerund phrase as the subject of a sentence with the correct singular verb agreement.

Why It Matters: Correct Verb Agreement

A gerund (the -ing form of a verb) can act like a noun. When a gerund phrase starts a sentence, it is the subject. The most common mistake is using the wrong verb form.

❌ Incorrect

Learning English are important.

✅ Correct

Learning English is important.

The Grammar Rule 📖

Gerund Phrase + Singular Verb

When a gerund or gerund phrase is the subject of a sentence, it is always treated as singular. This means the main verb of the sentence must also be singular (e.g., is, was, has, helps, makes).

• "Riding the Bamboo Train in Battambang was a lot of fun."
• "Waking up early makes me feel productive."
• "Exercising regularly helps you stay healthy."

Grammar in Action: Common Uses

Using a gerund as the subject is very common when you want to talk about activities or state a general truth.

• Talking about an activity:
  "Cycling around the countryside is a relaxing experience."
• Giving an opinion:
  "Trying new kinds of street food is very exciting."
• Stating a general truth:
  "Speaking a second language opens up new opportunities."

Practice Your Grammar 🎯

Exercise: Choose the Correct Verb

Choose the correct singular verb form to complete each sentence.

1. Learning a new language _______ a lot of practice. (requires / require)
   → Answer: requires
2. Visiting the temples around Battambang _______ a full day. (takes / take)
   → Answer: takes
3. Speaking English fluently _______ my biggest goal right now. (is / are)
   → Answer: is
4. Eating too many sweets _______ bad for your health. (is / are)
   → Answer: is

Your Grammar Mission ⭐

Make Your Own Sentences

Create your own sentences using a gerund as the subject.

1. Write a sentence about an activity you enjoy.
   (Example: Playing football with my friends is my favorite thing to do.)
2. Write a sentence giving your opinion about something.
   (Example: Listening to sad music makes me feel calm.)

Key Vocabulary

• Gerund (Noun) | កិរិយានាម
  A verb form which functions as a noun, ending in "-ing".
• Subject (Noun) | ប្រធាន
  The noun or phrase that is the main topic of the sentence.
• Singular (Adjective) | ឯកវចនៈ
  Referring to only one person or thing.
• General Truth (Noun Phrase) | ការពិតទូទៅ
  A statement that is always true or widely accepted as true.