You are here:About>Education>Spanish Language> Learn Spanish Grammar> Parts of Speech> Verbs> Definition of 'Gerund' - Grammar Glossary for Spanish and English
About.comSpanish Language
Newsletters & RSSEmail to a friendSubmit to Digg

"Gerund"

From Gerald Erichsen,
Your Guide to Spanish Language.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
Definition: Traditionally, "gerund" is the term used to refer to a certain Latin verb form that could function as a noun.

Nowadays, the term generally is used to refer to the present participle in English and the verbal present participle of Spanish. These are the verb forms that end in '-ing" in English and -ando or -endo in Spanish. In both languages, the gerund is used to form the progressive or continuous tenses. Note that while the English gerund can be and frequently is used a noun, the Spanish gerund does not function as a noun.)

Some grammarians also use the term "gerund" more loosely to refer to any verb form when it is functioning as a noun. Generally, you should not assume this definition is meant unless the context makes clear this is what is intended.

Also Known As: Gerundio in Spanish when referring to the verbal present participle.
Examples: Boldfaced terms are gerunds: I am thinking about you. (Estoy pensando en ti.) Seeing is believing. (Ver es creer. Note that the gerund is not used in Spanish here.) He went away crying. (Se fue llorando.) I need a working car. (Necesito un coche que funciona. Note that the gerund is not used in Spanish here.)
 All Topics | Email Article | | |
Advertising Info | News & Events | Work at About | SiteMap | Reprints | HelpOur Story | Be a Guide
User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy©2008 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.