GERUND PHRASE

GERUND PHRASE

What is a gerund phrase?

Though the term might sound a bit intimidating, it really is simple. Here, we’ll take a close look at gerund phrases and provide several examples so you can easily recognize them and use them to create interesting sentences.

Decoding the Gerund Phrase

Time for a quick refresher: A gerund is a noun formed with a verb ending in ing. Words like swimming, tying, dreaming, eating, fishing, and drinking can all be used as gerunds.

Now that we’ve refreshed your memory, let’s take a look at the gerund phrase. A gerund phrase always follows these rules:

Gerund phrases always start with gerunds

Gerund phrases always include modifiers and often include other objects

A gerund phrase always functions as a noun

Gerund phrases are always subjects, objects, or subject complements in sentences.

EXAMPLES:

In the following gerund phrase examples, the gerund is highlighted in bold and the entire gerund phrase is underlined. A brief explanation of the function of the gerund phrase follows each example.

·         Blowing bubbles on a windy day is a fun activity for children.

Blowing bubbles on a windy day is the subject of the verb is.

·         Piling too much laundry into a washing machine will cause it to malfunction.

Piling too much laundry into a washing machine is the subject of the verb will cause.

·         Ethan narrowly avoided driving off the cliff.

Driving off the cliff is the direct object of the verb avoided.

·         Eating ice cream on a hot day can be a good way to cool off.

Eating ice cream on a hot day is the subject of the verb can be.

·         Jessica really enjoys bothering the neighbors with loud music.

Bothering the neighbors with loud music is the direct object of the verb enjoys.