Gerunds and Verbal Functions

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

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

Planning began months ago for their concert.

• began

• months

• planning

• concert

Multiple Choice

Choose the Gerund in the sentence

Now the chorus is practicing daily.

• now

• chorus

• practicing

• daily

Multiple Choice

Choose the Gerund in the sentence

They practice harmonizing over and over.

• practice

• harmonizing

• they

• over

Multiple Choice

Choose the Gerund in the sentence

Their other important job is advertising

• other

• job

• advertising

• important

Multiple Choice

Gerunds function as

• adjective

• adverb

• noun

• verb

Multiple Choice

Ms. Santos is directing the chorus, and she loves teaching

• teaching

• directing

• loves

• chorus

Multiple Choice

Conducting is something she really enjoys, even when she is working long hours.

• conducting

• something

• enjoys

• working

Multiple Choice

We are learning about composing, and Ms. Santos’s favorite composer of choral music is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

• learning

• about

• composing

• music

Multiple Choice

What is the function of the underlined gerund?

During practice, Ms. Santos teaches us about breathing.

• subject

• predicate nominative

• direct object

• object of preposition

Multiple Choice

What is the function of the underlined gerund?

The most rewarding part of her job is mentoring because Ms. Santos loves to help young singers progress

• subject

• predicate nominative

• direct object

• object of preposition