Download The gerund is the second phrase in the verbal family...because it`s a

Student Handout
The gerund is the second phrase in the verbal family...because it’s a word that is usually a verb, but in this
case it is doing something different in the sentence.
The gerund ALWAYS ends in ING and is ALWAYS a noun!
Running is my favorite sport. (What is my favorite sport? Running. It’s the subject...and a gerund!)
My whole life is devoted to running. (TO in this sentence is a preposition, so the gerund is the object of
the preposition)
He enjoys running. (What does he enjoy? Running. It’s the direct object...and a gerund!)
Complete each sentence with a gerund.
1. __________________________ television is one of my favorite things to do.
2. __________________________ poems is also a hobby of mine.
3. My aunt likes ________________________ new recipes.
4. My friends made fun of my ______________________________ .
5. The reception was fun because of the _______________________________.
Dancing
Writing
Trying
Singing
Watching
Underline each gerund. Try to also underline any words working with the gerund that completes the
phrase.
Playing this game is addictive! The gerund is PLAYING, but PLAYING THIS GAME is the gerund phrase.
1. Painting my room is a priority this weekend.
2. Switching to Android was the best decision I made.
3. Charging my phone always takes too much time to suit me.
4. He likes eating squid, but I think it’s gross.
5. She broke her wrist while jumping on the trampoline.
6. Under his rough exterior, he’s just a sweet guy who likes making people laugh.
7. Bringing the chips and dip is my job for the party.
23
Interactive Notebook page
Part of the VERBAL family. That means it has a word that is USUALLY a verb, but
in this case, it acts like something else.
A gerund ALWAYS ends in ING.
A gerund ALWAYS functions as a noun. It can be a subject, direct object, indirect object, or object of the preposition.
As a subject: Swimming is great exercise.
As a direct object: I like swimming.
As an indirect object: His therapist gave swimming two thumbs up.
As the object of a preposition: I always make time in my week for swimming.
24
Name_________________________________________
PRACTICE
Circle the gerunds in the following sentences. Attempt to identify the gerund as a subject (S), direct
object (DO), or object of the preposition (OP).
1. Maureen enjoys writing movie reviews.
2. Publishing them in the school newspaper is her way to share her works.
3. She devotes at least one hour of day to her writing.
4. Recommending a good movie is a job she takes seriously.
5. Many people find her reviews are good help in choosing the best movie to see.
Complete the sentences by adding a gerund.
1. _________________________________ is not very fun.
2. I enjoy ____________________________________ Chinese food.
3. _______________________________ at the park is a great way to spend the afternoon.
4. I’m not old enough for __________________________________.
5. __________________________ new curtains is on my list of things to do today.
eating
cheering
playing
jumping
dating
greeting
dreaming
sewing
dancing
Use words from the word box to create your own sentences with gerunds. Pay attention! They can also be used as verbs!
1.
2.
25