1. The verbal that everyone seems to forget the instant that they learn it. It’s just so sad to be forgotten in this manner. THE GERUND

2. What is a Gerund? A gerund is a verb form ending in –ing that acts like a noun in sentences. Like a noun, a gerund may be a subject, a predicate nominative, a direct object, an indirect object, or an object of a preposition. DO NOT CONFUSE THE GERUND WITH THE PRESENT PARTICIPLE!!! Present participles are used as an adjective, or it may be part of a verb phrase. As an adjective: The clanking bell ticked me off! As part of a verb phrase: We have been trying, but understanding gerunds is a difficult business indeed.

3. THE GERUND AS A SUBJECT Remember, there are two parts to a sentence: a subject (what the sentence is about) and a predicate (what action is the subject participating). It is very important to review the meanings of each part of the sentence as we move through understanding Gerunds. Harry Potter is acting the fool. Subject: Harry Potter Present Participle: is acting Here, “acting” is a participle and not a gerund. Acting is Daniel Radcliffe’s specialty. Here, “acting” is a subject Gerund.

4. Gerund as a Predicate Nominative. A predicate nominative  is a word or word group that is in the predicate and that identifies the subject or refers to it. Okay, what the heck does that mean??? Remember, there are two parts of the sentence: a subject and a predicate. The predicate starts with the verb. Now, let’s reread the definition. Ms. Richards’ talent is teaching. Notice that “Ms. Richards’” is not the subject of the sentence… “talent” is. Now, what is her talent? Teaching. The participle “teaching” is used as a predicate nominative in this sentence.

5. Gerund as a Direct Object. Remember, a direct object is the noun in the predicate phrase that tells who or what receives the action of the verb. The result of the action (verb) performed by the subject (noun) is the direct object (noun) Ramen NoOdLes loves jumping. “jumping” is the direct object, and it is also a gerund. Why? Because it is an activity that Ramen NoOdLes loves.

6. Gerunds as Indirect Objects Remember, indirect objects are nouns, pronouns, or word group that precedes the direct object. At the park, Ramen gives playing all his attention. I have given diving a fair try, but I still do not like it.

7. Gerunds as Objects of Prepositions Remember, a prepositional phrase has an object, too. It’s called the “object of the preposition.” Go figure. Objects of prepositions are nouns or pronouns. Example: Ramen NoOdLes loves being at the park. “at the park” is the prepositional phrase. “park” is the noun which is the object of the preposition. I know no way of judging the cutest dog competition. Patrick Henry gained fame by speaking.

8. The Twilight Zone of Gerund Phrases! First let’s define what a phrase is: A phrase is NOT a sentence, but part of a sentence. We speak in phrases and write in sentences. The Gerund Phrase consists of a gerund and all of the words related to it.

9. Gerund Phrases Continued… Gerunds, like nouns, may have modifiers or complements. Like the gerund, a gerund phrase always functions as a noun…so the WHOLE phrase is acting like the noun.

10. The Gerund Phrase Continued… Below, “Consuming Brazil” is the subject gerund Phrase… Consuming Brazil may be Ramen NoOdLe’s favorite pastime. Below, “by lying” is the object of the preposition gerund phrase… Brazil may try to find the means of effective resistance, by lying supinely on their backs. Yet, Ramen NoOdLe’s shall consume them!

11. Verb Phrase: Mom, I have been trying to be nice for three years now! Participle: And judging by my past behavior, I’ve not been very nice to people. Why? Because they breathe. REMEMBER NOT TO CONFUSE A GERUND WITH A PRESENT PARTICIPLE USED AS AND ADJECTIVE OR AS PART OF A VERB PHRASE!!!

12. Yay! Any questions about Gerunds or Gerund Phrases? Asking now would be a good idea!