Gerunds

Looks like a VERB, acts

like a NOUN
ALWAYS ends in -ing

Gerunds
Can be used in any of the six noun
slots.
Subject
Predicate Nominative
Direct Object
Indirect Object
Object of the Preposition
Appositive

Gerunds as Subjects
The subject is usually at the
beginning of the sentence.
Swimming is the best sport
ever!
Looking for work can be a
difficult task.

Gerunds as
predicate nominatives
Remember that PNs follow linking verbs.
They can EASILY be confused with action
verbs read the sentence carefully.
Which one is a PN?
My favorite hobby is knitting. (Hint:
The hobby isnt doing the knitting!)

She is athletic, and her best sport is

diving.
NOT A PN:
I am running a marathon this
weekend.

Gerunds as
direct objects
Direct Objects follow action verbs
and tell who or what.
Janie loves playing video
games.
All of the students like
taking notes on gerunds.

Gerunds as
Indirect objects
Remember you must first have a
DO.
IOs tell for/to whom/what.
Sharon gives studying her
best effort.
However, she gives watching
TV all her time.

Gerunds as
objects of prepositions
Objects of prepositions follow
preps and are in phrases.
I will study for exams by
taking good notes.
You will need a new pen set
for drawing pictures.

Gerunds as Appositives
Appositives can rename any noun.
A gerund as an appositive might
look like this:
My hobby, swimming, keeps
me in shape.

Gerunds vs. other ing words

Gerunds vs. Participles
Participles modify nouns.
Gerunds are nouns.
Which ones which?
The crying baby was hungry.
She got her way by crying.

Gerunds vs. other ing words

Many verbs can end in ing. Be
aware of them!
Which ones which?
The children were running in
the park.
Her hobby was running in
the park.