Gerund Phrases

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Gerund Phrases
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• Like a participle, a gerund can sometimes be
  accompanied by other words that complete its
  meaning.
• A gerund phrase consists of a gerund accompanied
  by an adjective, an adverb, a direct object, or a
  prepositional phrase.

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Examples

• Wearing tight shoes hurts. (gerund D.O.)
• Long-distance running is fun. (adjective
  gerund)
• I like dancing on ice. (gerund prepositional
  phrase)
• Performing alone is his dream. (gerund adverb)

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Gerund phrases, like gerunds alone, function as
nouns in a sentence. Like a noun, a gerund phrase
can be a subject, a D.O., an object of the
preposition, or a predicate noun.
Subject Preparing for a concert takes time.
Direct Object Lane began practicing his flute.
Object of Preposition Before playing the music, he studied it.
Predicate Noun His big challenge was walking onstage.
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Be careful not to confuse a gerund phrase with a
participial phrase. If the phrase functions as a
subject, an object, or a predicate noun in the
sentence it is a gerund phrase. If it serves as
an adjective, it is a participial phrase.
Gerund Phrase Singing softly was difficult. (subject)
Participial Phrase Singing softly, he calmed the baby.
Gerund Phrase We began singing the song. (direct object)
Participial Phrase The girl singing the song is Pat.
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Identify each gerund phrase and participial
phrase. Does each gerund phrase act as a subject,
a direct object, an object of a preposition, or a
predicate noun?

1. Singing opera, they use their voices in special
   ways.
2. Bart received the prize for being the best tenor.
   
3. Being the best tenor, Bart had many solo parts.
4. You should try singing high C.
5. Humming in the background, the chorus set a mood.
   
6. Appearing with a professional cast was Kristens
   dream.
7. Facing the audience can be the hardest part.
8. Practicing day and night is a necessary
   ingredient for succeeding as an opera singer.
9. Taking their seats, the members of the orchestra
   began tuning their instruments.
10. Accompanying the singer, the violin section
    slowly played the tragic melody.

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Possessives in Gerund Phrases

• Always use the possessive form of a noun or
  pronoun before a gerund.

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Which is correct?

• 11. I warned Gino about (them, their) being late.
  
• 12. I dont appreciate (him, his) talking back to
  me.
• 13. (Fran, Frans) leaving will solve the
  problem.
• 14. (Me, My) being there was a help.
• 15. That ended (Martha, Marthas) disrupting the
  rehearsals.
• 16. We are delighted by (Joe, Joes) sensitive
  acting.
• 17. (Him, His) continuing with the show is
  essential to its success.
• 18. (Us, Our) agreeing on how the other minor
  roles should be handled was also important.

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Identify each gerund phrase. Does each gerund
phrase act as a subject, a direct object, an
object of a preposition, or a predicate noun?

• 19. The programs goal is providing students with
  a variety of artistic opportunities.
• 20. Few question the benefits of encouraging
  talents.
• 21. The problem is obtaining the necessary money.
  
• 22. People find different ways of raising funds.
• 23. Asking for funds is an important activity.
• 24. Supporters must continue advertising the
  program.

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Identify each gerund phrase and participial
phrase. Does each gerund phrase act as a subject,
a direct object, an object of a preposition, or a
predicate noun?

• 25. Now the group will try campaigning on a large
  scale.
• 26. Starting such a campaign is a challenging
  task.
• 27. Requesting funds and other forms of
  assistance from large corporations will be the
  first strategy.
• 28. Contacting firms is the directors role.
• 29. Companies find different ways of being
  helpful.
• 30. Helping young artists is a worthwhile cause.