1. Verb Wars Episode #1: A New Gerund

2. 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

3. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. 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.

11. 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.

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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

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

17. 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