The gerund as a non-finite form of the verb

By semantic properties the most general grammatical meaning of the gerund, understood as its categorial meaning, is

meant.

The gerund is a non-finite form of the verb that combines the properties of the verb with those of the noun, serving (similar to the infinitive) as a verbal name of the process.

F o r m a l features of the gerund include its formal marker and its grammatical categories.

Formal features of the gerund are distinct. Its formal marker is the suffix -ing.

The English gerund has two grammatical categories:

- the aspective category of retrospective coordination (perfective aspect) which opposes perfect and non-perfect forms;

- the category of voice which opposes passive and non-passive forms.

Each grammatical category of the gerund has its grammatical forms.

Functional features of the gerund include its combinability and its syntactic functions in the sentence.

Combinability of the English gerund is dual, for it has a mixed valency: verb-type and noun-type.

English gerund is used in six syntactic functions