Phrases

1
Phrases

• Unit 2 Verbal Phrases - Gerunds

2
Gerund

• A gerund is a verbal that functions as a noun.
• Gerunds always end in ing.
• Gerunds are always used as nouns.
• EXAMPLES
• Swimming is Lupes favorite sport.
• Jasmines forte is running.
• He enjoyed being king.

3
Some gerunds are single words some are phrases
(small groups of related words).

• In gerund phrases, a gerund may have
• complements and/or modifiers.
• EXAMPLES
• We all like winning.
• Winning that race clinched the championship for
  Secretariat.

4
Uses of Gerunds

• Because they are nouns, gerunds can be used any
  way that a noun can be used in a sentence.
  Common uses of gerunds are the following simple
  subject, direct object, predicate nominative,
  object of the preposition, and appositive.

5
Gerund Phrase as Subject

• Reading the next ten pages was the assignment
• for Tuesday.

6
Gerund as Direct Object

• Everyone appreciated his teaching the class his
  technique.

7
Gerund as Predicate Nominative

• Marvins hobby was running marathons.

8
Gerund as Object of Preposition

• The teacher congratulated her choir for having
  perfect pitch.

9
Gerund as Appositive

• Mrs. Bradleys hobby, collecting antique
  flatware, gave her great pleasure.

10
Gerund as Indirect Object

• Mr. Tipton gave running his company all his time
  and attention.

11
Practice Finding Gerunds and Gerund Phrases

1. Irene enjoys reading.
2. The subject of the paper was determining
   effective sales techniques.
3. The young mother had problems with getting
   babysitters.
4. You should avoid drinking too much caffeine.
5. His habit, talking too loudly, was caused by the
   loss of his hearing.

12

1. He enjoys designing clothes.
2. Her chief fault is not keeping her work
   organized.
3. Talking is not permitted during the movie.
4. He got into trouble for using his cell phone.
5. Helen gave preparing for the test her full
   attention.
6. Diana dreaded facing the facts.