Overview
A passive gerund is formed with 'being + past participle'. It appears after prepositions (afraid of being judged), verbs that take -ing (enjoy being praised), and in subject position (Being treated fairly matters). The perfect passive gerund is 'having been + past participle'.
Forms
- Simplebeing + past participle: being asked, being seen
- Perfecthaving been + past participle: having been approved
- ExampleShe hated being interrupted during presentations.
- ExampleHaving been rejected twice, he tried a different approach.
When They Occur
- After prepositions: Despite being warned, he continued.
- After verbs requiring gerund: She resented being treated unfairly.
- As subjects: Being asked to leave was humiliating.
- Perfect passive gerund marks earlier action: after having been selected
Common Mistakes
- ❌ being ask → ✅ being asked (past participle required)
- ❌ having been asking → ✅ having been asked (passive = past participle)
- ❌ After being interviewed him → ✅ After being interviewed, he was offered the role.
When to use
Workplace
She was used to being consulted on strategic decisions.
Legal
Having been acquitted, he could not be tried again.
Academic
The sample risks being contaminated if not properly stored.
Journalism
Despite being questioned, the official refused to comment.