Gerunds and Gerund Phrases
Introduction
Imagine you could turn any action into a subject, object, or complement in your sentences effortlessly. Intrigued? Welcome to the fascinating world of gerunds and gerund phrases! Whether you're a student striving to elevate your grammar skills or a writer looking to add versatility to your prose, understanding how to use gerunds can be a game-changer. In this article, "Gerunds and Gerund Phrases," we'll explore how these -ing verb forms can function as nouns, transforming your writing with clarity and precision. Let's dive in and master the art of using gerunds to enhance your grammar skills!
The –ing form of a verb can be used as its present participle, functioning as an adjective. The –ing form can also be part of a verb phrase.
–ING FORM AS PART OF A VERB PHRASE
- Lonnie has been cleaning house all day. [Cleaning is part of the verb phrase has been cleaning.]
–ING FORM AS A PRESENT PARTICIPLE
- These cleaning brushes work well on many surfaces. [Cleaning is a participle and functions as an adjective describing brushes.]
–ING FORM AS A GERUND
- Lonnie doesn’t mind cleaning if the rest of his family will pitch in, too. [Cleaning is a gerund and functions as the direct object of the verb phrase does mind.]
A gerund can function in all the ways a noun can function: as a subject, predicate nominative, direct object, indirect object, or object of a preposition.
Gerund Phrases
A gerund phrase consists of a gerund and any modifiers or complements the gerund has. The entire phrase is used as a noun.
As with nouns, gerund phrases can function as subjects, predicate nominatives, direct and indirect objects, and objects of prepositions.
EXAMPLES
- Janet earns top scores for solving math problems quickly. [The gerund solving has a complement, math problems, and is modified by the adverb quickly. The whole phrase acts as the object of the preposition for.]
- Riding in the parade was a fun experience. [The gerund Riding is modified by a prepositional phrase, in the parade. The whole phrase acts as the subject of the sentence.]
Gerunds and Gerund Phrases Practice
Choose the gerund phrase in each sentence.
Gerunds and Gerund Phrases Quiz
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Conclusion
Mastering gerunds and gerund phrases can significantly enhance your grammar and vocabulary skills, allowing you to create more dynamic and versatile sentences. By understanding how to use these -ing verb forms effectively, you can add nuance and clarity to your writing. Keep practicing, and don't hesitate to revisit this guide whenever you need a refresher. Remember, the key to mastering grammar lies in consistent practice and application. Happy writing, and may your sentences always be both engaging and grammatically correct!
FAQs:
Q: What is a gerund?
A: A gerund is a verb form ending in "-ing" that functions as a noun. Gerunds can act as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. For example, Swimming is my favorite sport. I enjoy reading books. His hobby is cooking.
Q: What is a gerund phrase?
A: A gerund phrase consists of a gerund along with its objects, complements, and modifiers. For example, Swimming laps at the pool is great exercise. Here "Swimming laps at the pool" is a gerund phrase acting as the subject.
Q: How are gerunds and present participles different?
A: Present participles also end in "-ing," but they act as adjectives modifying nouns. Gerunds act as nouns. For example, The smiling child (present participle) / Smiling makes me happy (gerund).
References
- English Grammar Demystified, 2nd Edition, by Jim Peterson, McGraw-Hill Education, 2012.
- A Student's Introduction to English Grammar by Rodney Huddleston and Geoffrey K. Pullum, Cambridge University Press, 2005.
- The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition, University of Chicago Press, 2017.
- Garner's Modern English Usage, 4th Edition by Bryan A. Garner, Oxford University Press, 2016.
- Practical English Usage, 4th Edition by Michael Swan, Oxford University Press, 2016.