Gerund Phrases - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Gerund Phrases

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• A gerund phrase consists of a gerund accompanied by an adjective, an adverb, a direct object, or a prepositional phrase.

• Wearing tight shoes hurts. (gerund + D.O.)
• Long-distance running is fun. (adjective + gerund)
• I like dancing on ice. (gerund + prepositional phrase)
• Performing alone is his dream. (gerund + adverb)

Gerund phrases, like gerunds alone, function as nouns in a sentence. Like a noun, a gerund phrase can be a subject, a D.O., an object of the preposition, or a predicate noun.

Be careful not to confuse a gerund phrase with a participial phrase. If the phrase functions as a subject, an object, or a predicate noun in the sentence it is a gerund phrase. If it serves as an adjective, it is a participial phrase.

Identify each gerund phrase and participial phrase. Does each gerund phrase act as a subject, a direct object, an object of a preposition, or a predicate noun?

• Singing opera, they use their voices in special ways.
• Bart received the prize for being the best tenor.
• Being the best tenor, Bart had many solo parts.
• You should try singing high C.
• Humming in the background, the chorus set a mood.
• Appearing with a professional cast was Kristen’s dream.
• Facing the audience can be the hardest part.
• Practicing day and night is a necessary ingredient for succeeding as an opera singer.
• Taking their seats, the members of the orchestra began tuning their instruments.
• Accompanying the singer, the violin section slowly played the tragic melody.

• Always use the possessive form of a noun or pronoun before a gerund.

• 11. I warned Gino about (them, their) being late.
• 12. I don’t appreciate (him, his) talking back to me.
• 13. (Fran, Fran’s) leaving will solve the problem.
• 14. (Me, My) being there was a help.
• 15. That ended (Martha, Martha’s) disrupting the rehearsals.
• 16. We are delighted by (Joe, Joe’s) sensitive acting.
• 17. (Him, His) continuing with the show is essential to its success.
• 18. (Us, Our) agreeing on how the other minor roles should be handled was also important.

• 19. The programs goal is providing students with a variety of artistic opportunities.
• 20. Few question the benefits of encouraging talents.
• 21. The problem is obtaining the necessary money.
• 22. People find different ways of raising funds.
• 23. Asking for funds is an important activity.
• 24. Supporters must continue advertising the program.

Identify each gerund phrase and participial phrase. Does each gerund phrase act as a subject, a direct object, an object of a preposition, or a predicate noun?

• 25. Now the group will try campaigning on a large scale.
• 26. Starting such a campaign is a challenging task.
• 27. Requesting funds and other forms of assistance from large corporations will be the first strategy.
• 28. Contacting firms is the director’s role.
• 29. Companies find different ways of being helpful.
• 30. Helping young artists is a worthwhile cause.