Language of the Day: Gerund Subjects

Want to sound more natural when you start a sentence? Have you ever been told “Don’t start every sentence with I or you,” you’re not alone.

One of the easiest—and most effective—ways to vary your sentence structure is by using gerund subjects. They’re especially common in natural, fluent English and are a powerful tool for clearer, more objective writing.

This post explains what gerund subjects are, how to use them, why they’re useful, and why they often sound more natural than sentences that begin with “I” or “you.” You’ll also find examples and a short quiz to practice.

What Is a Gerund Subject?

A gerund is the -ing form of a verb that functions as a noun.

➡️ run → running
➡️ learn → learning
➡️ fail → failing

When a gerund appears at the beginning of a sentence and acts as the subject, it’s called a gerund subject.

Examples:

  • Learning a new language takes time.

  • Working late every night causes burnout.

  • Eating too quickly can lead to stomach pain.

Even though these words look like verbs, they are doing the job of a noun—the subject of the sentence.

How to Use Gerund Subjects Correctly

Using a gerund subject is simple:

1. Start with an -ing verb

Choose an action or activity rather than a person.

  • Driving in heavy traffic

  • Trying new recipes

  • Being honest in meetings

2. Treat it as a singular noun

Gerund subjects are singular, so they usually take singular verbs.

  • ✅ Running every morning improves focus.

  • ❌ Running every morning improve focus.

3. Follow it with a clear main idea

The rest of the sentence typically explains a result, opinion, or general truth.

  • Saving money early reduces financial stress later.

  • Ignoring feedback slows professional growth.

Why Gerund Subjects Are Useful

1. They Make Writing More General and Objective

Compare:

  • I get stressed when I check email late at night.

  • Checking email late at night causes stress.

The second sentence sounds more neutral and universal. It no longer applies only to the speaker—it applies to everyone.

This is especially useful in:

  • Academic writing

  • Blog posts and articles

  • Advice and self-improvement content

  • Professional and instructional writing

2. They Reduce Overuse of “I” and “You”

Sentences that rely heavily on I or you can sound repetitive, informal, or even preachy.

Instead of:

  • You should exercise regularly.

Try:

  • Exercising regularly improves overall health.

The message stays the same, but the tone becomes softer and more natural.

3. They Sound More Natural in Fluent English

Native speakers often prefer talking about activities, not people.

  • Making mistakes is part of learning.

  • Waiting too long creates unnecessary problems.

  • Trying to do everything alone leads to burnout.

These sentences sound idiomatic and flow more smoothly than versions that start with a personal subject.

Comparing Pronoun Subjects vs. Gerund Subjects

Pronoun SubjectGerund SubjectI learn a lot by teaching others.Teaching others deepens understanding.You feel better when you sleep well.Sleeping well improves how you feel.We waste time when we overthink.Overthinking wastes time.

Notice how the gerund versions sound:

  • More concise

  • More objective

  • More polished

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using the wrong verb form

  • ❌ To exercise daily improves health.

  • ✅ Exercising daily improves health.

❌ Forgetting singular verb agreement

  • ❌ Working weekends increase stress.

  • ✅ Working weekends increases stress.

❌ Making the gerund phrase too vague

  • Weak: Doing things carefully helps.

  • Better: Reviewing your work carefully prevents mistakes.

Mini Quiz: Rewrite with a Gerund Subject

Rewrite each sentence by changing the noun or pronoun subject into a gerund subject.

1.

I learn faster when I practice every day.

✏️ ______________________________________

2.

You can save money if you cook at home.

✏️ ______________________________________

3.

People feel less stressed when they plan ahead.

✏️ ______________________________________

4.

We improve our writing by reading more.

✏️ ______________________________________

5.

Students struggle when they multitask.

✏️ ______________________________________

Sample Answers

    1. Practicing every day helps you learn faster.

    2. Cooking at home can save money.

    3. Planning ahead reduces stress.

    4. Reading more improves writing.

    5. Multitasking causes students to struggle.

Final Thoughts

Gerund subjects help you:

  • Write more smoothly

  • Sound less repetitive

  • Express ideas more generally and naturally

Once you start noticing them, you’ll see them everywhere—in articles, books, presentations, and everyday conversation. Try rewriting a few of your own sentences today, and you’ll quickly feel the difference in clarity and tone.

Zach J