Gerund

A gerund is a type of verbal formed with

the present participle (-ing) form of the
verb that is used as a noun.

They are identical to the present participle

in form but differ in function.
Examples of Gerund

speaking jogging skimming

listening jumping reading
Like nouns, gerunds can be used as subjects,
direct objects, indirect objects, subject
complement, and object of a preposition
 More examples of Gerunds

1. Swimming is my favorite sport.

2. We started working on this yesterday.
3. She practices playing those drums all the time.
4. Watching games does not burn calories.
5. They love eating fish.
6. Shaun gave up smoking a few years ago.
7. We enjoyed seeing each other after a long time.
Gerund Phrase
Gerund Phrase

A gerund phrase consists of a gerund and

its modifiers. The entire phrase is used as a
noun.

Example:
Skiing the slopes is a popular winter sport.
How do you recognize a gerund phrase when
you see one?

The phrase will always start with a gerund.

The gerund phrase will either have a modifier,
an object or both.
The entire phrase will function as a noun.
The phrase will have singular agreement with a
verb.
 Gerund phrases as the direct object of
the sentence

1. I hate speaking loudly in a public place.

2. My father loves making people laugh.

 Gerund phrases as the object of the
preposition in a sentence.

1. Max is thinking about starting a

business.

2. Never be scared of making mistakes.

 Gerund phrases as the subject-
complement in a sentence.

1. Maribelle's favorite pastime is playing the

violin

2. Competition is trying to do better than your

opponent.