gerunds (noun) — (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)
Below are 28 adjectives commonly used to describe gerunds, ranked by how frequently they appear together in written English. The most popular include verbal, english, nominal.
Ranked by frequency in written English
How to Use These Adjectives
- → Top adjectives (darker pills) appear most frequently with “gerunds” in published writing.
- → Combine two adjectives for vivid description: e.g. “verbal, english gerunds”.
- → Click any adjective to find its synonyms and expand your vocabulary further.
- → Match the tone — choose formal adjectives for essays, sensory ones for creative writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some adjectives to describe gerunds?
Common adjectives used to describe gerunds include verbal, english, nominal, ing, clausal. These are ranked by how frequently they appear alongside "gerunds" in written English.
How do you describe gerunds in writing?
To vividly describe gerunds in your writing, choose adjectives that appeal to the senses — sight, sound, touch, smell, and emotion. For gerunds, strong options include verbal, english, nominal. Pair them with specific details to make your description more immersive.
What is the best adjective for gerunds?
"verbal" is one of the most commonly used adjectives with "gerunds" in English. Other top choices are english, nominal, ing. The best adjective depends on the tone and context of your writing.
Can I use these adjectives in a poem or story?
Yes — all adjectives listed here are drawn from real English usage. They work well in creative writing, poetry, essays, and descriptive paragraphs. Try combining two adjectives for more impact, e.g. "verbal, english gerunds".