2 Scope of the Study Form of Gerund 3 Function of Gerund 3. 2 Gerunds as a Compliment of Sentence 3. 3 Gerunds as an Object of Sentence

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION

1. 1 Background of the Study

Language is the most fundamental means of communication. By using language people can express their idea and feeling. As a universal language, English plays a great role in human communication to interact one with another. Understanding the grammar of a language is essential for those who use that language. Grammar is a part of structure in language which studies about the effective uses of parts of speech, noun, pronoun, verb, adjective, adverb, conjunction, preposition, interjection, for language users. An important aspect of English grammar is the use of verb forms, namely: gerunds and infinitives. One of the problems for learners is to know which verbs in English are followed by the infinitive and which verbs are take the –ing form. The problem is complicated by the fact that there is a number of verbs that can take both forms, but with a different in meaning. This paper describes about Gerund and Infinitive in English Grammar.

1. 2 Scope of the Study

This paper discusses about Gerund and Infinitive in English Grammar. The discussion is only limited on definition, forms, function, and uses of Gerund and Infinitive. Universitas Sumatera Utara

1. 3 Purpose of the Study

There are two purposes of the study, namely: 1. To give a brief description, what, and when the Gerund and Infinitive are used correctly. 2. To fulfill the requirements for getting Diploma degree from The English Study Program of The Faculty of Letter, University of Sumatera Utara.

1.4 Significance of the Study

1. The study will be useful for students who learn English, especially Gerund and Infinitive, so that they have a better understanding to apply it in English structure. 2. The paper can enrich student’s knowledge about grammar, especially about Gerund and Infinitive in English. 3. As a source of information for students who are interested in structure of English.

1.5 Method of the Study

In completing this paper, the method of study used is library research that is done by collecting data from some books that related to the topic of this paper. Universitas Sumatera Utara

CHAPTER II GERUNDS

2.1 Definition of Gerund

Kaplan 1989: 141 defines gerunds are verbal nouns, meaning that they are nouns derived from verb roots by suffixing –ing. Furthermore, Burch 2003: 94 states gerunds are verb forms that end in –ing form and function as nouns. Then, Warner 1990: 104 describes gerunds are verb forms that may be used in a place of a noun or pronoun. Besides that, Dokme: 115 defines a gerund is a noun formed from a verb by add –ing at the end of a verb. Next, Allen 1973: 177 explains gerund is the part of verb that end in –ing form and it can have the force of a noun as well as that of a verb. And Azar 1989: 150 says a gerund is the –ing form of a verb. Traditionally, gerunds are verbal nouns, meaning that they are noun derived from a verb that retains verb characteristics. They have the same form as Present Participle. They always end in the verb suffix –ing. But gerunds are different from present participles. Present participles are used to form in progress or incomplete action. But gerunds are used as nouns. Look at these examples: Present Participle 1. She was baking cookies Baking takes a lot of time Gerund 2. I am living alone I don’t like living alone 3. We have been relaxing at home Relaxing will help relieve the tension 4. She was spelling the new words Spelling is my best subject Universitas Sumatera Utara 2. 2. Form of Gerund Gerund can be formed by attaching suffix –ing to the verb stem and function as noun of the sentence. For example : 1. Her hobby is → The word ‘dancing’ is gerund. It is formed by verb stem dance + -ing suffix. dancing. 2. Swimming → The word ‘swimming’ is gerund. It is formed by verb stem swim + -ing suffix. is good for our health 3. Walking → The word ‘walking’ is gerund. It is formed by verb stem walk + -ing suffix. all the way home made us tired.

2. 3 Function of Gerund

Gerund always functions or works as nouns. Therefore, it will be found in places where nouns are typically found: as subject, compliment, object of the sentence, and apposition. 2. 3. 1 Gerund as a Subject of Sentence A gerund can be used as the subject of a sentence, just a noun can be a subject. If a gerund is placed in the beginning of a sentence it functions as the subject of sentence. For example : 1. Fishing 2. needs patience. Smoking 3. is a bad habit. Jogging 4. makes us fresh. Public speaking 5. makes her nervous. Reading English is easier than speaking it. Universitas Sumatera Utara The verb fishing, smoking, jogging, public speaking, and reading are gerund used as the subject of the sentences above.

2. 3. 2 Gerunds as a Compliment of Sentence

Gerund can be used as the compliment. As the compliment it places on the verb at the end of sentence that explains the statement. For example: 1. One of her hobbies is collecting 2. My mother profession is foreign stamps. teaching 3. Jane hobby is English. 4. Bill is good at cycling. playing The verb collecting, teaching, cycling, and playing in the sentences above are gerund used as compliment. tennis.

2. 3. 3 Gerunds as an Object of Sentence

Gerund can be used as the object. As the object it places on the verb after transitive verb. For example: 1. Susan likes reading 2. My uncle loves foreign magazine hunting 3. I dislike in the forest keeping 4. My father likes animals playing 5. I enjoy golf living The verb reading, hunting, keeping, playing, and living are gerund used as the object in sentences above. in this city Universitas Sumatera Utara

2. 3. 4 Apposition