Verb Wars Episode #1: A New Gerund

The Many Functions of Verbs Obviously we know that verbs can be used as the main action of the sentence. That’s their main purpose, but they can also serve other functions. This trimester we’ll talk about three different types of verbs and their uses for enhancing communication. Gerunds Participles Infinitives

What is a Gerund? A gerund is a verb form that ends in –ing A gerund is a verb that is used as a noun How can I tell if a verb is being used as a gerund? If a verb is being used as a gerund, it will be either the subject or object of the sentence, or it will be part of a prepositional phrase (but NOT with “to”…just wait for infinitives). Examples of gerunds: Cooking is her favorite hobby She has always loved singing. He won by practicing.

Stephanie enjoys knitting. Let’s Practice Stephanie enjoys knitting. Answer: Knitting

Sleeping is my favorite hobby. Let’s Practice Sleeping is my favorite hobby. Answer: Sleeping

Let’s Practice Typing is really easy. Answer: typing

Sometimes exercising reduces my stress level. Let’s Practice Sometimes exercising reduces my stress level. Answer: exercising

His favorite hobby is cooking. Let’s Practice His favorite hobby is cooking. Answer: Cooking

Let’s Practice In the past, working took up most people’s time during six days of the week. Answer: working

What is a Gerund Phrase? Gerund Phrases include the gerund and any modifiers or complements the gerund has (often a noun and its respective modifiers). The whole phrase serves as a noun. Examples: Swimming at the pool is my favorite summer activity. She won by tripping the other runners. I couldn’t stop the incessant crying of the baby.

His favorite hobby is cooking steak for the family. Let’s Practice His favorite hobby is cooking steak for the family. Answer: Cooking steak for the family.

Let’s Practice Samantha got the job by answering the questions well. Answer: answering the questions well

I didn’t want to ask about taking the test. Let’s Practice I didn’t want to ask about taking the test. Answer: taking the test

Passing the WordMasters test was one of my biggest concerns. Let’s Practice Passing the WordMasters test was one of my biggest concerns. Answer: Passing the WordMasters test

Our greatest victory will be winning the state championship. Let’s Practice Our greatest victory will be winning the state championship. Answer: winning the state championship

The dogs are very focused during their feeding. Let’s Practice The dogs are very focused during their feeding. Answer: their feeding

My writing is often completed once I am finished with my grading. Let’s Practice My writing is often completed once I am finished with my grading. Answer: My writing AND my grading