An -ing form can be the subject or object of a verb.

Study the examples given below.

• Smoking is injurious to health.

Here the -ing form smoking is the subject of the verb is. Note that when an -ing form or an infinitive is used as the subject, the verb should be singular in number.

• Singing is his passion. (NOT Singing are her passion.)
• Reading is her favourite pastime.

Here are some verb patterns using the –ing form.

Subject + verb + gerund (-ing form)

In this pattern, the gerund is the object of the verb. Common verbs that can be used in this pattern include: begin, start, love, like, hate, stop, finish, enjoy, prefer, far, remember, forget, mind, miss, suggest, practice, try, understand, keep, help, admit, advise, avoid, consider, intend, delay, deny

• She began sobbing.
• She finished talking about her illnesses.
• I hate borrowing money.
• Mrs. Mukherji enjoys reading.
• He started teaching at twenty.
• I suggest consulting a doctor.
• I wouldn’t advise quitting now.
• Would you mind moving a bit?
• She kept saying the same thing.
• I remember seeing him at the library.
• He avoided meeting his old classmates.
• I will never forget buying my first bicycle.
• He denied taking the money.