Gerund

Gerunds

I can explain the functions of Gerunds and how they work in a sentence.

Verbal: A word that is formed from a verb, but functions as an adjective, a noun, or an adverb.

A gerund is a type of verbal that functions as a noun and end in - ing

Gerunds function as nouns. A gerund can do anything a noun can do in a sentence.

Subject: Singing is very important to Roberto.

Predicate Nominative: His main interest is singing.

Direct Object: Roberto loves singing.

Object of Preposition: Without singing, Roberto’s life would be a lot duller.

Be Careful:

Not all verbs with the -ing ending are gerunds. Most often, a verb that ends in -ing is just that—a verb. It is part of a verb phrase that includes words such as is and are. Don’t confuse gerunds with verbs. A gerund looks like a verb but functions as a noun.

Gerund: Roberto is excited about performing.

Verb Phrase: He is performing next week.

Multiple Choice

Identify the gerund.

Halim was punished for cheating.

• Halim

• was

• punished

• cheating

Multiple Choice

Identify the gerund.

They called her playing brilliant.

• They

• called

• playing

• brilliant

Multiple Choice

Identify the gerund.

Reading is an important skill.

• Reading

• an

• important

• skill

Multiple Choice

Identify the gerund.

We gave our consent in writing.

• We

• gave

• consent

• writing

Multiple Choice

Identify the gerund.

For most birds, flying is a way to escape predators.

• birds

• flying

• escape

• predators

Multiple Choice

Identify the gerund

Many of the laughing students love singing.

• Many

• laughing

• love

• singing

Multiple Select

Identify the gerunds (check three):

Acting is merely the art of keeping a large group of people from coughing.

• acting

• keeping

• coughing

• art

Multiple Choice

Choose the Gerund in the sentence

Planning began months ago for their concert.

• began

• months

• planning

• concert

Multiple Choice

Choose the Gerund in the sentence

Roberto's chorus finds pleasure in performing.

• pleasure

• performing

• Roberto

• finds

Multiple Choice

Choose the Gerund in the sentence

Now the chorus is practicing daily.

• now

• chorus

• practicing

• daily