GERUNDS

Definition
Examples
Functions
 What is Gerund?
A gerund is a verbal
that ends in –ing and
functions as a noun.
To form gerunds, use the
base form + ing
Verb + -ing = noun
write + -ing
=
writing
eat + -ing
=
eating
FUNCTIONS
of
GERUND
1. Gerund as Subject
Gerunds are often used
as the subject of a sentence
to talk about activities,
behaviors, or opinions.
Example:
Travelling on the
Underground Railroad
was difficult.
Example:
Passing along
information by word of
mouth was the main
way.
2. Gerund as Direct Object
- It is a noun that receives the
action of a transitive action verb.
- Generally found after action
verbs.
- Determine if a word is a direct
object by asking whom? or what ?
Example:
For safety, most people
preferred
moving at night.
 3. Gerunds as Subject
Complement
It is a noun that appears with a
linking verb and tells something about
the subject of the sentence.
Note: a subject complement will almost
always be found after linking verb.
Example:
From 1810 to 1850,
hundreds of fugitives
were making their way
to freedom each month.
4. Gerunds as Object of
Preposition

It is found after
prepositions
 Examples:
1. Slave owners frequently offered
large rewards for finding and
returning a slave.
2. In addition, dogs used for
hunting were often sent to track
escaped slaves down.
 4. Gerunds as
Appositive
A gerund can be used as an
appositive, a word or group of
words that renames a noun and
gives more information about it.
Examples:
The best form of exercise,
walking, is also the least
expensive.