FUNCTIONS OF

GERUNDS
 Like a real noun, gerund also takes the 5 uses of nouns—as a
subject, a direct object, object of a preposition, predicate, and
nominative.

• Subject –
DRAWING is Alissa’s hobby.
• Direct object-
Carmela tried SURFING.
• Object of a preposition-
The best place for SWIMMING is the cinder trail around
the plaza.
• Predicate Nominative-
One of the major industries of Northern Minnesota is
MINING.
 Gerund Phrase
The gerund phrase consists of a gerund plus its
modifiers and complements. The entire phrase
functions as a noun.

• Rule 1 Because a gerund is formed from a verb, it

can have an object.

Example: We won by scoring a touchdown in the

last minute.
(Scoring is the object of touchdown.)
• Rule 2 Like a verb, a gerund can be modified
by adverbs.

Example: Lin started laughing again. (The

adverb again modifies the laughing
• Rule 3 Since a gerund functions as a noun, it
can also be modified by adjectives.
Example: Quick thinking saved us much
embarrassment.
(The adjective quick modifies thinking.)
• Rule 4 Gerunds can also be modified by
prepositional phrases.
• Example: Sitting on these benches is
uncomfortable.
• (On these benches modifies sitting.)
• Rule 5 the entire gerund phrase, like a single-word gerund,
functions as a noun.
• Example:
• Subject :
• Eating pizza was Joe’s favourite pastime.
• Direct object: We enjoyed seeing the movie a second time.
• Object of a preposition: Jessa got the concert tickets by
waiting in line overnight.
•
• Predicate Nominative: Nancy’s favourite summer job was
working at the zoo.
•
 PLEASE COPY

Assignment
• Give at least 5 examples of
sentences for of the uses of
gerunds. Write it in a 1 whole
sheet of paper.