AS NOUNS (PHRASES)

GERUNDS AS NOUNS

The gerund always has the same function as a noun, although it looks like a verb. It can be used in the same way as a noun.

The -ing form used as a pure noun usually denotes the action encoded by the verb (either in general or in a particular instance), as in the above examples. However it sometimes comes to take on other meanings, such as a physical object or system of objects: building, fencing, piping, etc.

 Gerunds and present participles are two types of non-finite verb; the difference is that gerunds are used to produce noun phrases, and participles to produce adjectival or adverbial phrases. This is illustrated in the following examples:

• I like eating cakes.

Here eating is a gerund; the verb phrase eating cakes serves as a noun, being the object of the main verb like.

• I saw him eating a cake.

Here eating is a present participle; the verb phrase eating a cake serves as an adjective, modifying him.

• Trying to succeed makes success more likely.

Here trying is a gerund; the verb phrase trying to succeed serves as a noun, the subject of the main verb makes.

• Trying to get over the fence, he hurt his knee.

Here trying is a present participle; the verb phrase trying to get over the fence has the function of an adverb in the main clause.
  
The -ing form used as a pure noun usually denotes the action encoded by the verb (either in general or in a particular instance), as in the above examples. However it sometimes comes to take on other meanings, such as a physical object or system of objects: building, fencing, piping, etc.

 Trying to succeed makes success more likely.

Time to brush up on (review) your understanding of participles as adjectives.

When the going gets tough, the tough get going

Parole officers have to keep track of the comings and goings of ex-convicts.



Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will


AS NOUN PHRASES

The dividing line between wish and need was never clear.