Verbs Phrases and Gerunds
Parts of Speech 2
Verbs
Verbs show time and action.
Example
will jump-kick
jump-kicks
was jump-kicking
Action Verbs
Things that can be done.
Example
ran
punched
left
did
Verbs of Being
Existing is an action.
Helping verbs show time and existence.
Examples
I am mad.
He was sorry.
Am, is, are, was, were, will, be, being, been,
has, have, had, do, did, does, may, might,
must, shall, should, would, could, can
Verb Phrases
Verb phrases show time and express action.
Helping verb + action verb = verb phrase
Examples
I am studying.
They are playing class.
They will fail.
Gerunds
Gerunds are noun forms of verbs.
Sometimes, we talk about actions as things.
Example
Reading is fun.
Eating late at night may lead to nightmares.
He hates doing homework.
Not every sentence has a gerund.
Who Cares?
Understanding this will help you...
• Better understand how sentences work
• Construct longer sentences
• Punctuate properly
Telling the Difference Between
Gerunds and Verb Phrases
Ask who’s doing what in this sentence?
Ex: Writing notes is fun and exciting.
Nobody is writing notes in this sentence.
Writing notes is a thing is this sentence.
Ex: I am writing notes.
Writing notes is an action in this sentence.
Review
Verbs of being show time.
Verb of being + action verb = verb phrase.
I am walking.
I was walking.
Gerunds are noun forms of verbs.
Walking is a good time.
I like walking.
Practice
1. Write down each sentence.
2. Underline the verbs.
3. Circle the gerunds.
1
Eating pizza is fun.
2
Tim might study if he’s not too busy.
3
Playing sports can be healthy.
4
Tom went home, did his chores, and slept.
5
I am not good at lying.
6
Stealing, lying, and cheating are wrong.
7
Are you going the store?
Answers
1. Eating pizza is fun.
2. Tim might study if he’s not too busy.
3. Playing sports can be healthy.
4. Tom went home, did his chores, and slept.
5. I am not good at lying.
6. Stealing, lying, and cheating are wrong.
7. Are you going to the store?