Gerunds!
Definition
• A gerund is a verb phrase that ends in “ing” and acts as a noun. – Inventing can be dangerous. (invent)– After seeing this mental image, Mary was
terrified. (see)
– Both underlined parts act as nouns.
Examples
• Calling the monster Frankenstein is a mistake.• Frankenstein’s error was creating the monster.• I like watching horror movies.• The monster was responsible for killing three
people.
• Gerunds can appear anywhere in a sentence.
How do I find them?
• Follow these simple steps!
1. Look for words that end in “ing”
2. Ask yourself, “is the word a verb?”
3. Ask yourself, “is the word acting as more of a verb or a noun?
• Opening her eyes reminded her that the vision was not real.
Identify the Gerund Phrase
• Looking into the camera, the young girl poses for the picture.
Identify the Gerund Phrase
• Looking into the camera, the young girl poses for the picture.
• Looking ends in “ing”• Look is a verb• Looking into the
camera is a noun that tells what the girl is doing.
Identify the Gerund Phrase
• The young boy in the striped shirt likes painting pictures.
Identify the Gerund Phrase
• The young boy in the striped shirt likes painting pictures.
• Painting ends in “ing”• Paint is a verb• Painting pictures is a
noun. It is the subject of the sentence.
Identify the Gerund
• Wrapping presents was Ginger’s favorite Christmas activity.
Identify the Gerund
• Wrapping presents was Ginger’s favorite Christmas activity.
• Wrapping ends in “ing”• Wrap is a verb• Wrapping presents is a
noun.
Identify the Gerund
• Falling asleep was difficult for Mary that night.
• Completing Frankenstein at 19 was an incredible accomplishment.
• Mary Shelley is famous for creating the Gothic novel Frankenstein.
• The monster was responsible for killing three people.
Identify the Gerund
• Falling asleep was difficult for Mary that night.
• Completing Frankenstein at 19 was an incredible accomplishment.
• Mary Shelley is famous for creating the Gothic novel Frankenstein.
• The monster was responsible for killing three people.
Top Related