Download Gerunds in Phrases • Practice 7

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Gerunds in Phrases
• Practice 7
Gerunds A gerund is a form of verb that acts as a noun. Gerunds can be used as subjects, direct
objects, predicate nouns, and objects of prepositions.
GERUNDS
Swimming is my favorite activity. (Swimming is the subject.)
I always enjoy swimming. (Swimming is the direct object.)
Gerund Phrases
A gerund phrase is a gerund with modifiers or a complement, all acting together as a
noun.
GERUND PHRASES
Swimming every day is a regular activity. (Gerund phrase used as subject.)
I enjoy sw imm ing fast ( Gerund phrase used as direct object.)
Recognizing Gerunds and Gerund Phrases.
Underline the gerund or erund
Phrase in each sentence. In the space provided tell how it is used. E
EXAMPLE: The counselor cautioned us against aboutiiokin g1
5, POj ='O,
oP Pty
obj. of prep.
1. Working hard is often its own reward.
2. My mother always enjoys driving.
3. I know people who are obsessed with eating all the time.
4. Groping in the dark is not my idea of fun.
5. It seems that his favorite activity is sleeping.
6. I don't believe in choosing sides.
7. Practicing swimming is all Willie does.
My father's job is managing the New York office.
Young people used to dream about making movies.
10. Yes, I began cleaning my room this morning.
Using Gerunds and Gerid Phrases in ntences.
[i
use the gerunds or gerund phrases below. \
Write original sentences that
/
EXAMPLE: growing tall
Growing tall is his major goaL
1. driving to school
2. making excuses
3. laughing
4. baking chocolate chip cookies
5. cheating
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Gerunds in Phrases • 81
s
Date
Name -
i
Gerunds in Phrases.
Practice 2
Identifying Gerunds. Each of the following sentences contains one gerund.
in each sentence. Then write whether It is used as a subject, direct object,
Underline the
DO
preda±e noun, or object of aPrePosition.
-
EXAMPLE: Ji5incins her favorite pastime.
subject
1. Walking is excellent exercise.
2. My little sister observes my birthday by phoning.
3. This plant needs pruning.
4. Love Is caring, and I always try to show I care.
5. Speeding led to the loss of her driver's license.
6. Our goal has always been winning.
7. Don't you ever get tired of studying?
8. Exercising is one way to burn up calories.
9. After several months Frank's grandmother stopped writing.
10. The team finished practicing at five o'clock.
Identifying Gerund Phrases. Underline ehiiiciIphra Then write whether
the gerund phrase is used as a stject, direcPo9ject, predu!ate noun, or object ofa preposition.
EXAMPLE: His favorite pastime was ritingLllmericks.
predicate noun
1. Drinking large amounts of water can help clear the kidneys.
2. His favorite hobby is raising guppies.
3. A loud knocking interrupted their dinner.
4. Nothing can be gained by choosing sides.
5. He enjoys composing all sorts of music.
6. The secretary kept perfect records by writing the dates of each event.
7. Insulating older homes helps conserve energy.
8. Tourists at the Acropolis are warned against taking stones for souvenirs.
9. Traveling by air is the fastest way to get there.
10. My plans for vacation include redecorating my room.
b
flTI11TT7jThFTI[,]I_ Writing Sen nces With Gerund hrases. Use each of the gerund
phrases in an original sentence according tiitio
. 4rentheses.
EXAMPLE: singing in the shower (as a subject)
Singing in the shower was her vocal - cis
1. driving too fast (as the object of a preposition)
2. exercising in the morning (as a subject)
3. collecting stamps and coins (as a direct object)
4. cleaning her room thoroughly (as the object pT a preposition)
5. raising animals (as a subject)
82 • Grammar Exercise Workbook
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