Writing Lab Agreement-Gerunds

What is a Gerund? Gerunds are –ing verb forms. They serve as nouns in a sentence. Gerunds require singular verb forms (verbs that end in –s or –es), regardless of whether the object of the gerund is plural.

Example Sentences Incorrect: Jumping hurdles are not easy. Correct: Jumping hurdles is not easy. * The subject is jumping, not hurdles. Correct: Eating tuna with chocolate syrup and pecans makes her sick. *The singular subject is the gerund eating, not chocolate syrup and pecans. Wearing seat belts is not just a good idea; it’s the law.

That’s all, folks! This lesson is part of the UWF Writing Lab Grammar Mini-Lesson Series Lessons adapted from Real Good Grammar, Too by Mamie Webb Hixon To find out more, visit the Writing Lab’s website where you can take a self-scoring quiz corresponding to this lesson