1. Verbals: Gerunds
By: Robyn Jones

2. Common Core Standard:
ELACC8L1: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
a. Explain the function of verbals (gerunds, participles, infinitives) in general and their function in particular sentences.

3. What are VERBALS? Typically used as verbs, but act as nouns Running
Swimming
Sneaking
Jogging
Reading
Writing

4. Gerunds Words that end in –ing ALWAYS functions as a noun
Can function as three things:
1. subject
2. direct object
3. object of the preposition

5. Gerunds as the SUBJECT
A gerund may function as the subject of the sentence
Will always begin the sentence if it functions as the subject
Tells what the sentence is mainly about
Always end in -ing

6. Examples of Gerunds as SUBJECT
Look at the following sentence:
Swimming is fun.
Reading magazines as a hobby of mine.
Notice that the words in red are our gerunds that are functioning as subject.
The begin the sentence and they end in –ing

7. Challenge #1
Create 2 sentences in your notes that use Gerunds as a subject.

8. Gerunds as direct objects
Before we explain gerunds as direct objects, lets review what direct objects are.
Direct object: the noun that receives the action
Answers the questions: who or what

9. Example: The boy gave the cookie to the little girl.
What’s the verb?
Who or what did the boy give?
I slapped the girl in the face.
Who or what did I slap?

10. Challenge #2:
In your notes, write down the direct object of each sentence:
1. I flushed the toilet after I was finished.
2. I cut my hand with the knife.
3. The boy finished his dinner in 10 minutes.
4. I gave a ring to my girlfriend.
5. The woman cooked dinner on Wednesday.

11. Gerunds as DIRECT OBJECTS
Remember, all gerunds end in –ing.
Directs objects will answer the questions who are what.
Has to have both conditions:
End in –ing
Answers: who or what?

12. Gerunds as Direct Objects
My hobby is collecting stamps.
My neighbors admire my gardening.
I love reading the newspaper after work.
Notice each answers the question “what”?
They all end in -ing
Also they come shortly after the verb in each sentence.

13. Challenge #3:
Create two sentences that uses gerunds as direct objects. Remember it must meet the criteria:
1. end in –ing
2. come shortly after the verb
3. answer “who” or “what”

14. Gerunds as object of the preposition
End in –ing
Come directly after a preposition.
Remember prepositions are words that shows location:
Above
Around
Under
Over Up
Through Of
For to

15. Examples of Gerund as Object of Preposition
Some people consider my interest in gardening an obsession.
We talked about going to Canada for vacation.
Lawanda is in charge of organizing the meeting.
Note: red indicates the preposition; gree indicates gerund phrase.
Notice the gerund comes directly after the preposition and ends in -ing

16. Challenge #4
Create two sentence that uses gerunds as object of the preposition.
Remember:
Ends in –ing
Comes directly after a preposition

17. Recap: Gerunds: words that end in –ing Functions as nouns
1. can be a subject
Begins the sentence
2. can be a direct object
Answers who or what
3. can be an object of the preposition
Comes directly after a preposition