Menu Close

Can we use verb ing at the beginning of a sentence as a subject?

Can we use verb ing at the beginning of a sentence as a subject?

Yes, you can! In fact you can start a sentence with almost any word. Examples include like, such as, who, which – and yes, -ing words are risky. Of course it’s correct to start a sentence with a word ending in –ing: But you risk writing a sentence fragment or a dangling modifier.

When can you start a sentence with ing?

3 Answers. Starting a sentence with a word ending in -ing is perfectly ordinary, accepted, unremarkable English. Beginning, middle, or end of a paragraph; gerund, participle, or simply a word with that particular spelling— it does not matter.

Is it good to start a sentence with a gerund?

Gerunds are often used at the beginning of a sentence, like “Fishing is my favorite sport” or “Seeing is believing.” Rewording sentences like that to avoid starting with an -ing word would result in pretty awkward flow. And writers do want to vary sentence structure.

What words do you not want to start a sentence with?

Never begin a sentence—or a clause—with also. Teach the elimination of but, so, and, because, at the beginning of a sentence. A sentence should not commence with the conjunctions and, for, or however….

Is it bad to start a sentence with an ing word?

An “-ing” word at the start of a sentence is not wrong, if it is used in the correct way. Often authors use an “-ing” word, also called a gerund, to avoid using the word “I” too much. Taking the hint, I said goodbye.

Where do we use ing in a sentence?

“-ing”

  • The “-ing” form is used in progressive verb tenses with auxiliary verbs (helping verbs).
  • The “-ing” form can function as a noun.
  • The “-ing” noun (or gerund) can be the direct object of certain verbs.
  • The “-ing” form is used after a preposition.
  • Adjectives are sometimes formed using “-ing”.

Is it bad to start a sentence with ing?

Should a sentence start with but?

There’s no rule against beginning a sentence with but. Sure, it’s a wise admonition from middle-school English teachers that novice writers avoid beginning a series of sentences with but. In July we went to Six Flags. But it rained that day.

Is it bad to start a sentence with with?

Sentences (and clauses) that begin with with are doomed to be weak.

Can you start a sentence with the word ing?

Less than 20% of your sentences should start with “-ing” words. You also need to be careful that your meaning is clear. “-ing” sentence starts can lead to dangling modifiers, causing confusion for readers. In our first example, the modifier “taking the hint” was near the subject “I,” so the meaning was clear.

Which is the correct form of the verb ing?

The “-ing” form can function as a noun. These nouns are called gerunds and can be the subject of a clause, followed by a third-person singular (he/she/it) form of the verb. The gerund in the following sample sentences is bolded, and the verb is italicized: Writing is an important skill. Hiking is one of my favorite activities.

When to use “-ing ” and “-Ed ” in a sentence?

The “-ing” and the past participle is bolded in the example sentences below. Notice that the “-ing” adjective refers to a thing and the past participle (“-ed”) adjective refers to a person. The ideas are exciting. (This refers to the ideas themselves.) He is excited.

How to use the preposition ing in a sentence?

The preposition in the following example sentences is italicized, and the “–ing” is bolded: 1 Before conducting the research, it is necessary to complete a literature review. 2 Her experience in interviewing will be beneficial. 3 He is bad at remembering appointments. 4 They complained about driving in rush hour.