1. Gerund Phrases

2. Gerunds
In the previous lesson, you learned that a present or past participle may be used as an adjective.
Well, a present participle is really, really confused…it can also be used as a noun!
In this case, it is called a gerund!

3. A gerund is a verb form ending in –ing that is used as a noun!
For example: (Skiing down that slope) was fun.
So, a Gerund Phrase has: a gerund
-a modifier & the entire phrase is used as a noun

4. Gerund vs. Participial
The difference is that a gerund phrase will always function as a noun while a present participle phrase describes another word in the sentence.
Jamming too much clothing into the washing machine, Josh saved $1.25. [Participial phrase]
Jamming too much clothing into a washing machine will result in disaster. [Gerund phrase]
Jamming too much clothing into a washing machine = gerund phrase, the subject of the verb will result.

5. Simple Subject
Like other nouns, a gerund can serve as the simple subject of a sentence.
Kicking the ball takes skill.

6. DO
A direct object will follow a transitive verb [a type of action verb]. 
If you can identify the subject and verb in a sentence, then finding the direct object—if one exists—is easy. Just remember this simple formula:
Subject + Verb + what? or who? = Direct Object
One climber justified climbing a mountain by saying, “It’s there.”
gerund phrase

7. PN
A predicate nominative  completes a linking verb and renames the subject.
My hobby is photographing mountains.
linking verb

8. Helpful Hint:
Gerunds, like noun clauses, can always be replaced by the word “it”.
Participles and Participial phrases NEVER can.
Gerunds are ALWAYS singular, so “IT” will always work!
Ex. Rob enjoys swimming the breast stroke.
Rob enjoys it.