| Gerunds
You’re probably now asking yourself what a gerund
is. A gerund is a word that ends in “ing.” It
is normally a verb, but it is now being used as a noun.
For example,
I like writing. (Writing is a gerund.)
The trick with a gerund is that if a noun or pronoun precedes
it, it must be in the possessive form. Incorrect:
I appreciate you helping me.
(Helping is a gerund. The pronoun in front must be possessive.)
Correct:
I appreciate your helping me. (Your is a possessive
pronoun.)
Incorrect:
The plane landing on time surprised us.
(Landing is a gerund. The noun in front must be possessive.)
Correct:
The plane’s landing on time surprised us.
Possessive
pronouns are my,
your, his, her, our, and its.
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