Verbals: Gerunds By: Robyn Jones

Common Core Standard: ELACC8L1: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. a. Explain the function of verbals (gerunds, participles, infinitives) in general and their function in particular sentences.

What are VERBALS? Typically used as verbs, but act as nouns Running Swimming Sneaking Jogging Reading Writing

Gerunds Words that end in –ing ALWAYS functions as a noun Can function as three things: 1. subject 2. direct object 3. object of the preposition

Gerunds as the SUBJECT A gerund may function as the subject of the sentence Will always begin the sentence if it functions as the subject Tells what the sentence is mainly about Always end in -ing

Examples of Gerunds as SUBJECT Look at the following sentence: Swimming is fun. Reading magazines as a hobby of mine. Notice that the words in red are our gerunds that are functioning as subject. The begin the sentence and they end in –ing

Challenge #1 Create 2 sentences in your notes that use Gerunds as a subject.

Gerunds as direct objects Before we explain gerunds as direct objects, lets review what direct objects are. Direct object: the noun that receives the action Answers the questions: who or what

Example: The boy gave the cookie to the little girl. What’s the verb? Who or what did the boy give? I slapped the girl in the face. Who or what did I slap?

Challenge #2: In your notes, write down the direct object of each sentence: 1. I flushed the toilet after I was finished. 2. I cut my hand with the knife. 3. The boy finished his dinner in 10 minutes. 4. I gave a ring to my girlfriend. 5. The woman cooked dinner on Wednesday.

Gerunds as DIRECT OBJECTS Remember, all gerunds end in –ing. Directs objects will answer the questions who are what. Has to have both conditions: End in –ing Answers: who or what?

Gerunds as Direct Objects My hobby is collecting stamps. My neighbors admire my gardening. I love reading the newspaper after work. Notice each answers the question “what”? They all end in -ing Also they come shortly after the verb in each sentence.

Challenge #3: Create two sentences that uses gerunds as direct objects. Remember it must meet the criteria: 1. end in –ing 2. come shortly after the verb 3. answer “who” or “what”

Gerunds as object of the preposition End in –ing Come directly after a preposition. Remember prepositions are words that shows location: Above Around Under Over Up Through Of For to

Examples of Gerund as Object of Preposition Some people consider my interest in gardening an obsession. We talked about going to Canada for vacation. Lawanda is in charge of organizing the meeting. Note: red indicates the preposition; gree indicates gerund phrase. Notice the gerund comes directly after the preposition and ends in -ing

Challenge #4 Create two sentence that uses gerunds as object of the preposition. Remember: Ends in –ing Comes directly after a preposition

Recap: Gerunds: words that end in –ing Functions as nouns 1. can be a subject Begins the sentence 2. can be a direct object Answers who or what 3. can be an object of the preposition Comes directly after a preposition