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This section will cover gerunds and how they can be used.
Functions of a Gerund
A gerund is a verbal. It is the ing form of the verb that functions as a noun instead of a verb. A gerund may appear as a single word or as a phrase.
Skating is Susan's favorite pastime.
Skating tells us Susan's favorite pastime.
Decorating a cake requires a steady hand.
Decorating a cake tells what requires a steady hand.
Gerunds as Subjects
Gerunds as Subject Complements
A subject complement gives more detail about the subject. It usually comes after a linking verb.
For a list of linking verbs, click here.
Since a gerund acts as a noun, it can be the subject of a sentence.
Gerunds as Direct Objects
Gerunds as Objects of Prepositions
A direct object receives the action of the verb.
An object of a preposition is a noun that comes after a preposition.
For a list of prepositions, click here.
Gerunds with Possessive Case
We use the possessive case with gerunds as we would use the possessive case to modify any other noun.
Below you will find a list of pronouns that show possession.
Megan's chore is sweeping out the garage.
Sweeping out the garage gives more detail about Megan's chore.
Over the years, Dale's pastime became racing Italian sports cars.
Racing Italian sports cars gives more detail about Dale's pastime.
Bob likes building houses.
Ask yourself what does Bob like doing? - building houses
Megan goes digging for seashells at the beach every Sunday.
What does Megan do every Sunday? -- digging for seashells
The coach rewarded the team for winning the game.
For is the preposition, and winning the game is the gerund phrase acting as the object of the preposition.
The school made money from selling chocolate bars.
From is the preposition, and selling chocolate bars is the gerund phrase that is functioning as an object of the preposition.
his
her
its
His yelling caused quite a commotion.
The reason for the commotion is not him. The reason for the commotion
is his yelling.
Jenn found the child's humming disruptive.
It is not the child that Jenn found disruptive. It is the child's humming that Jenn found disruptive.
our
their
my
your
Language Arts: Gerunds - Tutorial
