Download Gerund Phrase

Definition: A gerund phrase is made up of a gerund and all the
words that can modify it. The words or phrases that can modify a
gerund are an adjective, adverb, and a prepositional phrase, plus it
can have a direct object.
Why can it have these modifiers?
Remember that a gerund is a verb form ending in -ing. Because it
is a VERB, it can have an adverb modifying it. Also, it can have
an adverb prepositional phrase modifying it. Besides all that, it
can have a direct object, just like any action verb can have.
Why an adjective or adjective prepositional phrase modifying it?
Remember that a gerund is a verb form used as a NOUN, therefore
it can have an adjective or adjective prepositional phrase
modifying it.
Gerund Phrase Examples
1. The course's goal is providing students with knowledge of basic
math.

The gerund phrase is providing students and is used as the
predicate noun in the sentence. The gerund is providing and
the direct object of that gerund is (providing whom?)
students. The prepositional phrase with knowledge modifies
providing and the prepositional phrase of basic math
modifies knowledge.

2. Frequently asking for funds may hinder receiving them.

The first gerund phrase is frequently asking for funds. The
gerund is asking. Frequently answers, when?, and thus is an
adverb, modifying the gerund, asking. For funds is an adverb
prepositional phrase answering the question, why, asking?
This entire phrase is the subject of the sentence.

There is a second gerund phrase in this sentence. It is
receiving them. This whole phrase is the direct object in the
sentence, answering the question, "may hinder
what?"...receiving funds. Receiving is the gerund and funds
is the direct object of the gerund. Receiving what?...fund
