GERUNDS AND

GERUND PHRASES

VERBAL
A word formed from a verb but
functions as a different part of
speech.
GERUND
INFINITIVE
PARTICIPLE

GERUND
Is a verbal that functions as NOUN in
a sentence

Thus, GERUNDS will be:

It ends in ing Subjects
Subject complements
Running
Direct objects
Swimming
*Indirect objects (not

Imagining
Talking

applicable for Gerunds)

Appositive
Objects of
prepositions.

FUNCTIONS of
NOUNS

GERUND PHRASE
Gerund phrases always start with gerunds

Gerund phrases always include modifiers and

often include other objects
A gerund phrase always functions as a noun
Gerund phrases are alwayssubjects, objects,
or subject complements in sentences.

Blowingbubbles on a windy dayis a fun

activity for children.
Jessica really enjoysbotheringthe
neighbors with loud music.

FUNCTIONS OF
GERUND

AS SUBJECT
The subject of a sentence is the
person, place, thing, or idea that is
doing or being something.
Hiking can be a relaxing and rewarding
activity.
Swimming in the winter can boost your
immune system
Learning a foreign language is easier
at a young age.

AS SUBJECT COMPLEMENT
A gerund clause can be a subject
complement
after
be.
am,
is, are,
was, were,
to be, to become, to appear, to
feel, to look, to smell, to taste

Seeing isbelieving.
What I really like istravelling to other countries.

AS A DIRECT OBJECT
A direct object will follow
atransitive verb[a type of action
verb]
VERBS that require a direct object,
something or someone who
receives the action of the verb.

SUBJECT+VERB+what?orwho?=DIRECT OBJECT

Zippy accidentally kickedMauricein

the shin.
Sylina hatesbiting her fingernails.

AS INDIRECT OBJECTS (not

applicable for Gerunds)
Anindirect objectprecedes the
direct object and tellsto
whomorfor whomthe action of
the verb is done and who is receiving
Jim
hisgranddaughterasandcastle
thebuilt
direct
object.
on the beach.

Jim= subject;
built= verb. Jim builtwhat?
Sandcastle= direct object.
Who got the sandcastle?
Granddaughter= indirect object.

AS AN APPOSITIVE
An appositive is a re-naming or
amplification of a word that
immediately precedes it.

The best exercise,walking briskly, is

also the least expensive.
The heart of Faustus was filled with one
desire, being saved.
His fear, suffering in hell for all time,
consumes him.

AS OBJECT OF PREPOSITION
Prepositions are always followed by a noun-phrase.
A preposition sitsin front of(is pre-positioned
before) itsobject.

The following words are the most commonly used

prepositions:
about
above

below
beneath

excepting
for

off
on

toward
under

across
after
against
along
among
around
at
because of
before
behind

beside(s)
between
beyond
but
by
concerning
despite
down
during
except

from
in
in front of
inside
in spite of
instead of
into
like
near
of

onto
out
outside
over
past
regarding
since
through
throughout
to

underneath
until
up
upon
up to
with
within
without
with regard to
with respect to

AS OBJECT OF PREPOSITION
I will call youafterarrivingat the
office.
Please have a drinkbeforeleaving.
I am looking
forwardtomeetingyou.
Tara always dreamsaboutgoingon
holiday.
Faustus has no chance of escaping.
He is haunted by the ticking of the
clock.