The Gerund Phrase
Gerund – A verb forming ending in –ing that is used as a noun.
Functions
Subject
Predicate Nominative
Direct Object
Indirect Object
Object of Preposition
Examples
Studying quickly tired us.
Channel’s hobby is reading.
Nicole has always loved dancing.
Kevin gave studying all his attention.
In cooking, we use salt and pepper
Gerund Phrase – Consists of a gerund and any modifiers it has. The entire phrase
is used as a noun.
Functions
Subject
Predicate Nominative
Direct Object
Indirect Object
Object of Preposition
Examples
Studying in the library quickly tired us.
Channel’s hobby is reading classic novels.
Nicole has always loved dancing with her friends.
Kevin gave studying for the test all his attention.
In cooking our dinner, we use salt and pepper
Direct Object = Directly receives the action of the verb – ASK WHAT?
o Jocelyn threw the ball
o Brian hit the wall again and again
o Katrina put her make-up on in class
Indirect Object: Indirectly receives the action of the verb – ASK TO
WHAT? or TO WHOM?
o Diana gave Trinh the note from Kevin
o Tiffany threw Hoang the engagement ring
o Pauline kicked Kathya the ball
Predicate Nominative: a noun or noun phrase that refers back to the
subject, connected by a linking verb, such as “is,” “are,” “was” etc.
o She is my mother.
o This is we.
o My students are incredible people.