Verbals: Gerunds and Gerund Phrases

Identify the function of the gerund or gerund phrase in each sentence:

John began his great career by dancing with amateur groups.

• Subject

• Subject Complement

• Object of the Preposition

• Direct Object

Identify the function of the gerund or gerund phrase in each sentence:

One of his skills was leaping like a gazelle.

• Subject

• Subject Complement

• Object of the Preposition

• Direct Object

Identify the function of the gerund or gerund phrase in each sentence:

Leaving Moscow changed Nureyev’s career forever.

• Subject

• Subject Complement

• Object of the Preposition

• Direct Object

Identify the function of the gerund or gerund phrase in each sentence:

The dance world in London, Paris, and New York competed in praising his performances.

• Subject

• Subject Complement

• Object of the Preposition

• Direct Object

Identify the function of the gerund or gerund phrase in each sentence:

At recitals in which Mark danced, the orchestra was often drowned out by wild cheering.

• Subject

• Subject Complement

• Object of the Preposition

• Direct Object

Identify the function of the gerund or gerund phrase in each sentence:

Watching his impossibly high leaps was an unforgettable experience.

• Subject

• Subject Complement

• Object of the Preposition

• Direct Object

Identify the function of the gerund or gerund phrase in each sentence:

His dancing is known to everyone.

• Subject

• Subject Complement

• Object of the Preposition

• Direct Object

Identify the function of the gerund or gerund phrase in each sentence:

Driving in a crowded city was a new experience for Nicolás.

• Subject

• Subject Complement

• Object of the Preposition

• Direct Object

Identify the function of the gerund or gerund phrase in each sentence:

She could not stop humming that tune.

• Subject

• Subject Complement

• Object of the Preposition

• Direct Object

Identify the function of the gerund or gerund phrase in each sentence:

The grandest movement of ballet is leaping.

• Subject

• Subject Complement

• Object of the Preposition

• Direct Object