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Questions and Answers
Which of the following sentences contains a gerund acting as a subject?
Which of the following sentences contains a gerund acting as a subject?
- She is worried about failing the exam.
- I enjoy swimming in the ocean.
- Swimming is my favorite activity. (correct)
- Dogs are barking loudly.
Gerunds always function as adjectives or adverbs.
Gerunds always function as adjectives or adverbs.
False (B)
What is the main grammatical role of gerunds in a sentence?
What is the main grammatical role of gerunds in a sentence?
Nouns
I am interested in _____ (travel).
I am interested in _____ (travel).
Which sentence correctly uses a gerund as an object?
Which sentence correctly uses a gerund as an object?
Match the gerunds to their functions:
Match the gerunds to their functions:
Present participles can be used as nouns.
Present participles can be used as nouns.
Provide an example of a gerund being used as a complement.
Provide an example of a gerund being used as a complement.
Flashcards
Gerund
Gerund
A verb form ending in '-ing' that functions as a noun.
Gerund as Subject
Gerund as Subject
A gerund can be the main subject of a sentence.
Gerund as Object
Gerund as Object
A gerund can receive the action of a verb in a sentence.
Gerund as Object of a Preposition
Gerund as Object of a Preposition
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Gerund as Complement
Gerund as Complement
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Present Participle
Present Participle
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Gerunds with Infinitives
Gerunds with Infinitives
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Formal and Informal Gerunds
Formal and Informal Gerunds
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Study Notes
Definition and Function
- Gerunds are verb forms ending in "-ing" that function as nouns.
- They can act as subjects, objects, or complements in a sentence.
- The "-ing" form is derived from a verb, but it functions grammatically as a noun.
Examples of Gerunds as Subjects
- Swimming is my favorite activity. (Subject)
- Reading improves comprehension. (Subject)
- Learning new skills is essential. (Subject)
Examples of Gerunds as Objects
- I enjoy listening to music. (Object of the verb "enjoy")
- She avoids arguing with her colleagues. (Object of the verb "avoids")
- We value working together. (Object of the verb "value")
Examples of Gerunds as Objects of Prepositions
- I am interested in traveling. (Object of the preposition "in")
- He is worried about failing the exam. (Object of the preposition "about")
- She is proud of achieving her goals. (Object of the preposition "of")
Examples of Gerunds as Complements
- Their hobby is painting. (Complement of the linking verb "is")
- Her greatest challenge is completing the marathon. (Complement of the linking verb "is")
- Our aim is helping the community. (Complement of the linking verb "is")
Distinguishing Gerunds from Present Participles
- Present participles are verb forms ending in "-ing" but function as adjectives or adverbs.
- Gerunds are nouns, while present participles describe verbs.
Examples of Present Participles as Adjectives and Adverbs
- Swimming is a relaxing pastime. ("swimming" modifies and describes "pastime")
- He finished talking. ("talking" describes how he finished)
- Dogs are barking outside. ("barking" describes the dogs' present action)
Key Differences Summarized
| Feature | Gerund | Present Participle |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Noun | Adjective or adverb |
| Example | Swimming is fun. (Swimming is the subject) | The swimming pool is clean. (Swimming describes the pool) |
Gerunds with Infinitives
- Gerunds can be combined with infinitives to show a variety of meanings.
Examples
- Trying to complete the project before the deadline was difficult.
- Failing to meet the requirements to graduate is a serious consideration.
- The students are determined making sure to get high marks. (Note: This example appears grammatically incorrect. A corrected example would be needed.)
Formal and Informal Use of Gerunds
- Gerunds are used in both formal and informal writing and speech.
- The grammatical roles remain the same.
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