Common Verbs Followed by Gerunds

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 115 views

Understanding Gerunds and Verb Combinations

In the English language, gerunds and verb combinations are essential components of sentence structure. A gerund is a verb form that ends in -ing and functions as a noun. It can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence. Verbs followed by gerunds are commonly used in English to convey various meanings and emotions. In this article, we will explore the most common verbs followed by gerunds, their meanings, and examples.

Common Verbs Followed by Gerunds

Abhor

Definition: To strongly dislike or hate something.
Example: "I abhor the smell of cigarette smoke."
Meaning: When you abhor something, you have a strong negative feeling towards it.

Acknowledge

Definition: To accept or recognize something as true or real.
Example: "I acknowledge your hard work and dedication."
Meaning: When you acknowledge something, you accept its existence or validity.

Admit

Definition: To accept or confess something, often reluctantly.
Example: "I admit that I made a mistake."
Meaning: When you admit something, you acknowledge its truth or reality.

Admit (Advising)

Definition: To give advice or guidance to someone.
Example: "I admit you should take a break and rest."
Meaning: When you admit something, you offer guidance or advice.

Anticipate

Definition: To expect or look forward to something.
Example: "I anticipate a great outcome from this project."
Meaning: When you anticipate something, you expect it to happen or occur.

Appreciate

Definition: To value or enjoy something.
Example: "I appreciate your help and support."
Meaning: When you appreciate something, you value or enjoy its presence.

Avoid

Definition: To try to stay away from something or someone.
Example: "I avoid talking to him because he's always negative."
Meaning: When you avoid something, you try to stay away from it or its influence.

Be Used To

Definition: To be accustomed to something or someone.
Example: "I'm used to waking up early."
Meaning: When you're used to something, you're accustomed to its presence or routine.

Be Worth

Definition: To be valuable or worthwhile.
Example: "This experience is worth the effort."
Meaning: When something is worth it, it's valuable or worthwhile.

Can't Help

Definition: To be unable to resist or stop doing something.
Example: "I can't help but laugh at this joke."
Meaning: When you can't help something, you're unable to resist or stop it.

Can't Stand

Definition: To strongly dislike or hate something.
Example: "I can't stand the sound of nails on a chalkboard."
Meaning: When you can't stand something, you strongly dislike or hate it.

Celebrate

Definition: To mark or honor a special occasion or event.
Example: "We celebrate our anniversary every year."
Meaning: When you celebrate something, you mark or honor its significance.

Confess

Definition: To admit or acknowledge something, often reluctantly.
Example: "I confess that I'm guilty of the crime."
Meaning: When you confess something, you admit or acknowledge its truth or reality.

Consider

Definition: To think or reflect on something.
Example: "I consider this option carefully before making a decision."
Meaning: When you consider something, you think or reflect on its significance or implications.

Defend

Definition: To protect or support something or someone.
Example: "I defend my family and friends at all costs."
Meaning: When you defend something, you protect or support it.

Delay

Definition: To put off or postpone something.
Example: "I delay my decision until I have more information."
Meaning: When you delay something, you put it off or postpone it.

Deny

Definition: To refuse to accept or acknowledge something.
Example: "I deny any involvement in the crime."
Meaning: When you deny something, you refuse to accept or acknowledge its truth or reality.

Detest

Definition: To strongly dislike or hate something.
Example: "I detest the smell of fish."
Meaning: When you detest something, you strongly dislike or hate it.

Discontinue

Definition: To stop or end something.
Example: "I discontinue my subscription to the service."
Meaning: When you discontinue something, you stop or end it.

Discuss

Definition: To talk or debate about something.
Example: "We discuss the topic in class every day."
Meaning: When you discuss something, you talk or debate about its significance or implications.

Conclusion

Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between a gerund and a verb?

A: A gerund is a verb form that ends in -ing and functions as a noun. It can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence. A verb, on the other hand, is a word that expresses action or a state of being.

Q: Can a gerund be the subject of a sentence?

A: Yes, a gerund can be the subject of a sentence. For example: "Eating breakfast is my favorite part of the day."

Q: Can a gerund be the object of a verb?

A: Yes, a gerund can be the object of a verb. For example: "I love eating pizza."

Q: What is the difference between "abhor" and "detest"?

A: Both "abhor" and "detest" mean to strongly dislike or hate something. However, "abhor" is a more formal or intense way of expressing dislike, while "detest" is a more casual or everyday way of expressing dislike.

Q: Can "be used to" be followed by a gerund?

A: Yes, "be used to" can be followed by a gerund. For example: "I'm used to waking up early."

Q: Can "be worth" be followed by a gerund?

A: Yes, "be worth" can be followed by a gerund. For example: "This experience is worth the effort."

Q: What is the difference between "can't help" and "can't stand"?

A: Both "can't help" and "can't stand" mean to strongly dislike or hate something. However, "can't help" is a more formal or intense way of expressing dislike, while "can't stand" is a more casual or everyday way of expressing dislike.

Q: Can "celebrate" be followed by a gerund?

A: Yes, "celebrate" can be followed by a gerund. For example: "We celebrate our anniversary every year."

Q: Can "confess" be followed by a gerund?

A: Yes, "confess" can be followed by a gerund. For example: "I confess that I'm guilty of the crime."

Q: What is the difference between "consider" and "think"?

A: Both "consider" and "think" mean to reflect on or ponder something. However, "consider" is a more formal or deliberate way of thinking, while "think" is a more casual or everyday way of thinking.

Q: Can "defend" be followed by a gerund?

A: Yes, "defend" can be followed by a gerund. For example: "I defend my family and friends at all costs."

Q: Can "delay" be followed by a gerund?

A: Yes, "delay" can be followed by a gerund. For example: "I delay my decision until I have more information."

Q: What is the difference between "deny" and "refuse"?

A: Both "deny" and "refuse" mean to refuse to accept or acknowledge something. However, "deny" is a more formal or intense way of refusing, while "refuse" is a more casual or everyday way of refusing.

Q: Can "detest" be followed by a gerund?

A: Yes, "detest" can be followed by a gerund. For example: "I detest the smell of fish."

Q: Can "discontinue" be followed by a gerund?

A: Yes, "discontinue" can be followed by a gerund. For example: "I discontinue my subscription to the service."

Q: What is the difference between "discuss" and "talk"?

A: Both "discuss" and "talk" mean to converse or debate about something. However, "discuss" is a more formal or deliberate way of talking, while "talk" is a more casual or everyday way of talking.

Q: Can "admit" be followed by a gerund?

A: Yes, "admit" can be followed by a gerund. For example: "I admit that I made a mistake."

Q: Can "admit" be used to give advice?

A: Yes, "admit" can be used to give advice. For example: "I admit you should take a break and rest."

Q: Can "anticipate" be followed by a gerund?

A: Yes, "anticipate" can be followed by a gerund. For example: "I anticipate a great outcome from this project."

Q: Can "appreciate" be followed by a gerund?

A: Yes, "appreciate" can be followed by a gerund. For example: "I appreciate your help and support."

Q: Can "avoid" be followed by a gerund?

A: Yes, "avoid" can be followed by a gerund. For example: "I avoid talking to him because he's always negative."

Q: Can "be used to" be followed by a gerund?

A: Yes, "be used to" can be followed by a gerund. For example: "I'm used to waking up early."

Q: Can "be worth" be followed by a gerund?

A: Yes, "be worth" can be followed by a gerund. For example: "This experience is worth the effort."

Q: Can "can't help" be followed by a gerund?

A: Yes, "can't help" can be followed by a gerund. For example: "I can't help but laugh at this joke."

Q: Can "can't stand" be followed by a gerund?

A: Yes, "can't stand" can be followed by a gerund. For example: "I can't stand the sound of nails on a chalkboard."

Q: Can "celebrate" be followed by a gerund?

A: Yes, "celebrate" can be followed by a gerund. For example: "We celebrate our anniversary every year."

Q: Can "confess" be followed by a gerund?

A: Yes, "confess" can be followed by a gerund. For example: "I confess that I'm guilty of the crime."

Q: Can "consider" be followed by a gerund?

A: Yes, "consider" can be followed by a gerund. For example: "I consider this option carefully before making a decision."

Q: Can "defend" be followed by a gerund?

A: Yes, "defend" can be followed by a gerund. For example: "I defend my family and friends at all costs."

Q: Can "delay" be followed by a gerund?

A: Yes, "delay" can be followed by a gerund. For example: "I delay my decision until I have more information."

Q: Can "deny" be followed by a gerund?

A: Yes, "deny" can be followed by a gerund. For example: "I deny any involvement in the crime."

Q: Can "detest" be followed by a gerund?

A: Yes, "detest" can be followed by a gerund. For example: "I detest the smell of fish."

Q: Can "discontinue" be followed by a gerund?

A: Yes, "discontinue" can be followed by a gerund. For example: "I discontinue my subscription to the service."

Q: Can "discuss" be followed by a gerund?

A: Yes, "discuss" can be followed by a gerund. For example: "We discuss the topic in class every day."

Q: Can "admit" be used to give advice?

A: Yes, "admit" can be used to give advice. For example: "I admit you should take a break and rest."

Q: Can "anticipate" be followed by a gerund?

A: Yes, "anticipate" can be followed by a gerund. For example: "I anticipate a great outcome from this project."

Q: Can "appreciate" be followed by a gerund?

A: Yes, "appreciate" can be followed by a gerund. For example: "I appreciate your help and support."

Q: Can "avoid" be followed by a gerund?

A: Yes, "avoid" can be followed by a gerund. For example: "I avoid talking to him because he's always negative."

Q: Can "be used to" be followed by a gerund?

A: Yes, "be used to" can be followed by a gerund. For example: "I'm used to waking up early."

Q: Can "be worth" be followed by a gerund?

A: Yes, "be worth" can be followed by a gerund. For example: "This experience is worth the effort."

Q: Can "can't help" be followed by a gerund?

A: Yes, "can't help" can be followed by a gerund. For example: "I can't help but laugh at this joke."

Q: Can "can't stand" be followed by a gerund?

A: Yes, "can't stand" can be followed by a gerund. For example: "I can't stand the sound of nails on a chalkboard."

Q: Can "celebrate" be followed by a gerund?

A: Yes, "celebrate" can be followed by a