Understanding Process Verbs with Gerunds
Process verbs describe the stages or handling of activities. When these verbs are followed by another action, we use the gerund form (-ing). These verbs include finish, avoid, consider, suggest, and delay.
Structure and Formation
Process verb + verb-ing
Example: finish reading, avoid talking, consider moving
Example: finish reading, avoid talking, consider moving
Examples
She finished writing her report at midnight.Using 'finish' with the gerund 'writing' shows the completion of the action
They suggested meeting in the conference room.The verb 'suggest' is followed by 'meeting' to propose an action
He keeps postponing studying for his exam.The process verb 'postponing' takes the gerund 'studying' to show continuous delay
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Incorrect: I finish to write the email.
✅ Correct: I finish writing the email.
Explanation: Process verbs like 'finish' must be followed by the gerund, not the infinitive
❌ Incorrect: They suggested to go to the park.
✅ Correct: They suggested going to the park.
Explanation: The verb 'suggest' requires a gerund, not an infinitive
Tips for Success
- Remember that these verbs always take the gerund form – never the infinitive
- Think of process verbs as describing the handling or management of actions
- If you're describing the completion, avoidance, or suggestion of an action, use the gerund
Learning Path Notes
Key Concepts in This Series:
- Building on emotion verbs + gerunds
- Process verbs as action managers
- Gerund formation and usage
What Comes Next:
Next focus should be on verbs that can take both gerunds and infinitives to show the contrast with verbs that take only gerunds