Identify Gerunds and Their Functions

Gerunds

Gerunds are verb forms that act like nouns. They can be used as:

• Subject

• Direct Object

• ​Indirect Object

• Subject Complement/ Predicate Nominative

• Object of the Preposition

Subject- a noun that is doing the action or is the state of being

Eating is a competitive sport in some places!

Eating- (Gerund)

is- verb

Direct Object

A direct object is a NOUN that receives the action of the verb. It answers the question "what?" It uses an ACTION verb

My dog enjoys barking.

dog- subject

enjoys- verb

barking- (Gerund) direct object

Subject Complement

A NOUN that renames or explains the subject. It is used with a linking verb.

My dog's favorite past time is barking.

past time- Subject

is- verb

barking- (Gerund) subject complement

Object of the Preposition

A noun that receives the action of the preposition. It is normally at the end of a prepositional phrase

We got my grandfather's attention by waving.

We- Subject

got- verb

Waving- (Gerund) Object of the Preposition

Multiple Choice

Adam started doing his homework at 12:30 am.

What is the VERB in this sentence?

• started

• doing

• homework

Multiple Choice

Adam started doing his homework at 12:30 am.

• Subject

• Direct Object

• Subject Complement

Multiple Choice

"He apologized for being late."

What is the gerund in this sentence?

• apologized

• being

• late

Multiple Choice

Karen insisted on speaking to the manager because there was a floating fly in her soup.

What is the gerund in this sentence?

• insisted

• speaking

• floating

Multiple Choice

Singing is my favorite thing to do.

• Subject

• Direct Object

• Object of the Preposition

Multiple Choice

More people should consider saying hello to others in the hallways.

• subject

• direct object

• subject complement

Multiple Choice

You can make someone's day simply by smiling at her.

• object of preposition

• indirect object

• direct object

Poll

My confidence level with Gerunds is

• 4- I understand completely!

• 3- I almost understand completely!

• 2- I understand a little, but I need more practice

• I- I don't really understand yet