Gerunds: Definition and Examples

• A gerund is a verbal ending in -ing that functions as a noun.

Gerund Examples

• Examples include: exploring, offering, resting, racing.
• These words are usually labeled as verbs but can function as nouns in sentences.
• If an -ing word functions as a noun in a sentence, it is a gerund.
• To determine if an -ing word is a gerund: Identify the part of the sentence the -ing word occupies.
• Gerunds can occupy these parts of a sentence: subject, direct object, subject complement, or object of preposition.

Parts of a Sentence: Subject

• Subjects DO something or ARE something.
• Example: The students love gerunds. ("The students" is the complete subject of the sentence.)

Parts of a Sentence: Direct Object

• Objects receive something or have something done to them.
• Example: The students love gerunds. ("Gerunds" is the object of the students' love—or receiving the love of the students.)

Parts of a Sentence: Subject Complement

• The subject complement is an adjective, noun, or pronoun that follows the linking verb (connects the subject).
• It completes the subject: The subject complement will never be a verb, because it is simply completing (or complementing!) the subject.
• Example with a noun: The students are scholars. ("scholars" is the subject complement of "The students.")
• Example with an adjective: The scholars are hard-working. ("hard-working" is the subject complement of "The scholars.")

Parts of a Sentence: Object of Preposition

• The object of the preposition is a noun, pronoun, or gerund that completes the prepositional phrase.
• Example with a noun: The students study at school. (The object of the preposition is "school;" "at" is the preposition.)
• Example with a gerund: The students celebrate by cheering. (The object of the preposition is "cheering," which in this case, is a gerund; "by" is the preposition.)

Gerunds in Sentence Examples

• Subject: Exploring will allow you to experience new culture.
• Direct Object: I hope you accept my offering.
• Subject Complement: My brother's favorite afternoon activity is resting.
• Object of Preposition: The officer gave him a warning for racing.

Gerund Phrases

• A gerund phrase includes the gerund, along with related nouns, pronouns, noun phrases, and modifiers.
• These elements help the gerund function in a sentence.
• The entire group of words is the gerund phrase.

Gerund Phrase Examples

• Subject: Exploring a city in another country will allow you to experience new culture.
• Direct Object: I hope you accept my offering you this gift.
• Subject Complement: My brother's favorite afternoon activity is resting quietly on his bed.
• Object of Preposition: The officer gave him a warning for racing down the street in a car.

Pronoun Trick

• A way to identify gerunds: Replace the -ing word or phrase with "it," "that," or "this." If it makes sense, it's likely a gerund.
• Exploring will allow you to experience new culture. Becomes it will allow you to experience new culture.
• The officer gave him a warning for racing. becomes The officer gave him a warning for that.
• If the substitution doesn't make sense, the -ing word is likely not a gerund.
• Instead, the word is probably a verb or another part of speech.
• Example: She is dancing across the room. She is it across the room.

Gerunds as Objects of Prepositions

• An object of a preposition is a noun, pronoun, or gerund that completes the prepositional phrase.
• If a verb comes after the preposition: The verb must end in -ing, making it a gerund.
• Example: We are excited about going to the birthday party. (go)
• Example: The doctors are known for helping their patients get well. (help)
• Example: She is tired of doing chores. (do)