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-ing form as subject, object or complement

Smoking is bad for you.​

An -ing form (gerund) can be used, just like a noun, as the subject or complement of a verb.

  • Smoking is bad for you. (subject)
  • My favourite activity is reading. (complement)

Infinitives (e.g. To smoke is bad for you) are possible in these cases, but are formal and uncommon.

-ing forms can also be used as objects after certain verbs (see here).

  • I hate packing. (object)

-ing form with its own object​

The -ing form subject, complement or object is used like a noun, but it is still a verb and can have its own object.

  • Smoking cigarettes is bad for you.
  • My favourite activity is reading thrillers.
  • I hate packing suitcases.

the opening of Parliament; my smoking​

We can often use determiners (for example the, my, this) with -ing forms.

  • the opening of Parliament
  • Does my smoking annoy you?
  • I hate all this useless arguing.

Possessive ’s forms are also possible.

  • Jack’s going to sleep during the wedding was rather embarrassing.
  • She was angry at Lina’s trying to lie to her.

Subject pronouns are not possible.

  • His shouting gets on my nerves. (but not He shouting …)

Note that possessives and pronouns are not used before -ing forms if it is already clear who is being talked about.

  • Thank you for waiting. (not Thank you for your waiting.)

When an -ing form is used with an article, it cannot usually have a direct object. Instead, we can use an of-structure.

  • the smoking of cigarettes (not the smoking cigarettes)

No is often used with an -ing form to say that something is not allowed, or is impossible. This often happens in notices and after there is.

  • NO SMOKING
  • NO PARKING
  • NO WAITING
  • Sorry – there’s no smoking in the waiting room.
  • She’s made up her mind; there’s no arguing with her.

Object forms: Do you mind me smoking?​

In an informal style it is more common to use object forms (like me, Jack) instead of possessives (my, Jack’s) with -ing forms, especially when these come after a verb or preposition.

  • Do you mind me smoking?
  • She was angry at Lina lying to her.

After some verbs (e.g. see, hear, watch, feel) possessives are not normally used with -ing forms, in formal or informal language.

  • I saw him getting out of the car. (not I saw his getting …)

It’s nice being with you.​

We can use it as a preparatory subject or object for an -ing form ( (see here).

  • It’s nice being with you.
  • I thought it pointless starting before eight o’clock.

This is common with any/no good, any/no use and (not) worth (see here).

  • It’s no good talking to him – he never listens.
  • Is it any use expecting them to be on time?
  • It’s no use his/him apologising – I will never forgive him.
  • I didn’t think it worth complaining about the meal.

Nouns and -ing forms​

When there is a noun which has a similar meaning to an -ing form, the noun is usually preferred.

  • We’re all excited about his arrival. (not … about his arriving.)