Gerunds
A gerund is a word that ends in -ing and is acting as a noun. All gerunds end in -ing, but not all -ing words are gerunds; only the ones that are acting as nouns.
This is important to distinguish because of how gerunds are treated within sentences. Since gerunds are nouns, if pronouns are placed before them, the pronouns must be in the possessive form.
Correct: My going to the mall left Stacie home alone.
Incorrect: Me going to the mall left Stacie home alone.
Try It!
Find the gerunds in the sentences below and make sure the sentences with gerunds have pronouns, not nouns, before the gerunds.
1. My parents are going shopping because them shopping always lowers their stress levels from work.
2. Us going to the party will be a surprise for Chris.
3. I am writing a paper for school because me writing it will get me a better grade.
4. She was surprised at them going to the library.
5. Him falling off the swings led to him getting stiches on his leg.