Gerund Phrase

SOURCE:
PAGE, Mary ellen Muñoz. ESL – Writing (Intermediate & Advanced). USA: Research & Education Association. 2010.
ELC Study Zone – http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/410/grammar/410-embedded-questions.htm
 What is a gerund and a gerund
phrase?
A gerund is a verbal that uses the present
participle of a verb (the ing form) but acts as a
noun.

So, it functions as noun in a sentence.

It can act as subject, a subject complement, a

direct object, an indirect object, or an object
of a preposition.
 Gerunds
• Reading is my favorite activity. (gerund as a
subject)
• Julie's best subject is writing. (gerund as a subject
complement)
• Carlos really enjoys biking. (gerund as a direct
object)
• Maria gives singing all her attention. (gerund as
an indirect object)
• I got this bruise from fencing. (gerund as the
object of a preposition)
 Gerund phrase
A gerund phrase is the gerund plus its object
and modifiers.
Gerund phrase do not convey a complete
idea;
Gerund phrase usually comes at the beginning
of a sentence, but it is also possible to find it
at the end.
 Gerund phrases
• Blowing bubbles on a windy day is a fun activity
for children.
• Blowing bubbles on a windy day is the subject of
the verb is.
• Piling too much laundry into a washing
machine will cause it to malfunction.
• Piling too much laundry into a washing machine is
the subject of the verb will cause.
 Gerund phrases
• Ethan narrowly avoided driving off the cliff.
• Driving off the cliff is the direct object of the
verb avoided.
• Eating ice cream on a hot day can be a good
way to cool off.
• Eating ice cream on a hot day is the subject of
the verb can be.
 Gerund phrases
• Jessica really enjoys bothering the neighbors
with loud music.
• Bothering the neighbors with loud music is the
direct object of the verb enjoys.

• Julie's best subject is creative writing.

• The gerund creative writing is as a subject
complement
 Gerund phrases
• I got this bruise from fencing.
• Fencing is the object of a preposition.