Adverb vs. Gerund — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 6, 2024
Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to describe manner, time, or place, while gerunds are nouns formed from verbs by adding "-ing" and can act as subjects or objects.
Difference Between Adverb and Gerund
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An adverb typically describes how, when, where, or to what extent an action is performed, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Whereas, a gerund is a verbal noun, formed by adding "-ing" to a verb, serving as a noun in sentences.
Adverbs can appear in various positions within a sentence, often close to the word they modify. On the other hand, gerunds function as subjects, objects, or complement nouns, and their position depends on their syntactic role.
Some adverbs are formed by adding "-ly" to adjectives (e.g., quick to quickly). Gerunds, however, are created by adding "-ing" to the base form of verbs, without altering their original tense or number.
Adverbs can modify a wide range of elements in a sentence, including verbs, adjectives, other adverbs, or entire sentences. In contrast, gerunds are limited to noun functions and do not modify other words.
While adverbs answer questions like "how?", "when?", "where?", and "to what extent?", gerunds do not typically answer such questions as they function as nouns, involved in actions rather than describing them.
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Comparison Chart
Function
Modifies verbs, adjectives, other adverbs
Acts as a noun (subject, object)
Formation
Often by adding "-ly" to adjectives
Adding "-ing" to verbs
Position in sentence
Flexible, often near the word it modifies
Depends on its role as a noun
Questions answered
How?, When?, Where?, To what extent?
Does not answer these typical adverb questions
Example
"She quickly ran to the store."
"Running is fun."
Compare with Definitions
Adverb
Very - intensifies adjectives.
He is very tall.
Gerund
Writing - noun form of write.
Writing improves with practice.
Adverb
Loudly - shows manner of action.
He laughed loudly.
Gerund
Swimming - noun form of swim.
Swimming is fun.
Adverb
Often - shows frequency of action.
They often visit us.
Gerund
Eating - noun form of eat.
Eating is necessary for survival.
Adverb
There - indicates place.
We went there yesterday.
Gerund
Running - noun form of run.
Running can be tiring.
Adverb
Quickly - modifies a verb to show speed.
She runs quickly.
Gerund
Thinking - noun form of think.
Thinking helps solve problems.
Adverb
An adverb is a word or an expression that modifies he a verb, adjective, another adverb, determiner, clause, preposition, or sentence. Adverbs typically express manner, place, time, frequency, degree, level of certainty, etc., answering questions such as how?, in what way?, when?, where?, and to what extent?.
Gerund
A gerund ( abbreviated GER) is any of various nonfinite verb forms in various languages; most often, but not exclusively, one that functions as a noun. In English, it has the properties of both verb and noun, such as being modifiable by an adverb and being able to take a direct object.
Adverb
A word or phrase that modifies or qualifies an adjective, verb, or other adverb or a word group, expressing a relation of place, time, circumstance, manner, cause, degree, etc. (e.g., gently, quite, then, there).
Gerund
In Latin, a noun derived from a verb and having all case forms except the nominative.
Adverb
The part of speech that modifies a verb, an adjective, another adverb, or an entire clause or sentence.
Gerund
In other languages, a verbal noun analogous to the Latin gerund, such as the English form ending in -ing when used as a noun, as in singing in We admired the choir's singing. See Usage Note at fused participle.
Adverb
Any of the words belonging to this part of speech, such as so, very, and rapidly.
Gerund
(grammar) A verbal form that functions as a verbal noun. (In English, a gerund has the same spelling as a present participle, but functions differently; however, this distinction may be ambiguous or unclear and so is no longer made in some modern texts such as A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language and The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language)
Adverb
(grammar) A word that modifies a verb, adjective, other adverbs, or various other types of words, phrases, or clauses.
Gerund
(grammar) In some languages such as Dutch, Italian or Russian, a verbal form similar to a present participle, but functioning as an adverb to form adverbial phrases or continuous tense. These constructions have various names besides gerund, depending on the language, such as conjunctive participles, active participles, adverbial participles, transgressives, etc.
Adverb
(programming) In the Raku programming language, a named parameter that modifies the behavior of a routine.
Gerund
A kind of verbal noun, having only the four oblique cases of the singular number, and governing cases like a participle.
Adverb
(rare) To make into or become an adverb.
Gerund
A verbal noun ending in -e, preceded by to and usually denoting purpose or end; - called also the dative infinitive; as, "Ic hæbbe mete tô etanne" (I have meat to eat.) In Modern English the name has been applied to verbal or participal nouns in -ing denoting a transitive action; e. g., by throwing a stone.
Adverb
A word used to modify the sense of a verb, participle, adjective, or other adverb, and usually placed near it; as, he writes well; paper extremely white.
Gerund
A noun formed from a verb (such as the `-ing' form of an English verb when used as a noun)
Adverb
The word class that qualifies verbs or clauses
Adverb
A word that modifies something other than a noun
Common Curiosities
What is an adverb?
An adverb is a word that modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, often expressing manner, time, place, or degree.
Where do adverbs typically appear in a sentence?
Adverbs can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence, depending on what they are modifying.
Can adverbs modify gerunds?
Yes, adverbs can modify gerunds by describing how an activity is being performed.
Where do gerunds typically appear in a sentence?
Gerunds typically appear in places where nouns are usually found, such as the subject or object position.
What is a gerund?
A gerund is a verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun in a sentence.
Can gerunds be the object of a preposition?
Yes, gerunds can function as the object of a preposition in a sentence.
Can a sentence contain both an adverb and a gerund?
Yes, a sentence can contain both elements, with the adverb modifying how the action of the gerund is performed.
Do all verbs have a gerund form?
Most verbs can form a gerund by adding -ing, but some exceptions and irregular forms exist.
What types of questions do adverbs answer?
Adverbs answer questions about the manner, time, place, and degree of an action or quality.
What roles can a gerund fulfill in a sentence?
Gerunds can act as subjects.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
