Understanding Advanced Gerund Verbs
Some verbs consistently require a gerund form after them to express complex actions or attitudes. These include verbs like propose, recommend, risk, and tolerate. The structure follows the pattern: main verb + verb-ing.
Key Advanced Verbs with Gerunds
Common verbs in this category:
– Propose/recommend + gerund (for formal suggestions)
– Risk/dread + gerund (for consequences or fears)
– Discontinue/dispute + gerund (for stopping or questioning actions)
– Tolerate + gerund (for accepting situations)
– Propose/recommend + gerund (for formal suggestions)
– Risk/dread + gerund (for consequences or fears)
– Discontinue/dispute + gerund (for stopping or questioning actions)
– Tolerate + gerund (for accepting situations)
Examples
The committee proposes changing the current policy.Uses 'propose + gerund' to make a formal suggestion
She risks losing her job if she's late again.Uses 'risk + gerund' to express potential consequences
They discontinued offering that service last month.Uses 'discontinue + gerund' to indicate stopping an action
I can't tolerate working in such conditions.Uses 'tolerate + gerund' to express acceptance limits
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Incorrect: He proposes to changing the schedule.
✅ Correct: He proposes changing the schedule.
Explanation: Don't use 'to' between the main verb and gerund
❌ Incorrect: They risk to lose their investment.
✅ Correct: They risk losing their investment.
Explanation: Use gerund after 'risk', not infinitive
❌ Incorrect: We recommend to waiting until tomorrow.
✅ Correct: We recommend waiting until tomorrow.
Explanation: Don't mix infinitive and gerund forms
Tips for Success
- Remember these verbs always take gerunds, never infinitives
- Think of the gerund as representing the complete action or situation
- Practice using these verbs in formal and professional contexts
- When in doubt, check if the action is ongoing or represents a complete concept
Learning Path Notes
Key Concepts in This Series:
- Builds on previous mental activity verbs
- Expands gerund usage to more complex situations
- Introduces formal and professional applications
- Prepares for advanced verb patterns