1. Unit 2: Verbal Phrases - Gerunds

2. Gerund A gerund is a verbal that functions as a noun. EXAMPLES
Gerunds always end in –ing.
Gerunds are always used as nouns.
EXAMPLES
Swimming is Lupe’s favorite sport.
Jasmine’s forte is running.
He enjoyed being king.

3. In gerund phrases, a gerund may have complements and/or modifiers.
Some gerunds are single words; some are phrases (small groups of related words).
In gerund phrases, a gerund may have
complements and/or modifiers.
EXAMPLES
We all like winning.
Winning that race clinched the championship for Secretariat.

4. Uses of Gerunds
Because they are nouns, gerunds can be used any way that a noun can be used in a sentence. Common uses of gerunds are the following: simple subject, direct object, predicate nominative, object of the preposition, and appositive.

5. Gerund Phrase as Subject
Reading the next ten pages was the assignment for Tuesday.

6. Gerund as Direct Object
Everyone appreciated his teaching the class his technique.

7. Gerund as Predicate Nominative
Marvin’s hobby was running marathons.

8. Gerund as Object of Preposition
The teacher congratulated her choir for having perfect pitch.

9. Gerund as Appositive
Mrs. Bradley’s hobby, collecting antique flatware, gave her great pleasure.

10. Gerund as Indirect Object
Mr. Tipton gave running his company all his time and attention.

11. Practice Finding Gerunds and Gerund Phrases
Irene enjoys reading.
The subject of the paper was determining effective sales techniques.
The young mother had problems with getting babysitters.
You should avoid drinking too much caffeine.
His habit, talking too loudly, was caused by the loss of his hearing.

12. He enjoys designing clothes.
Her chief fault is not keeping her work organized.
Talking is not permitted during the movie.
He got into trouble for using his cell phone.
Helen gave preparing for the test her full attention.
Diana dreaded facing the facts.