Gerund Phrases

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Like a participle, a gerund can sometimes be accompanied by other words that complete its meaning.

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

Examples

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.

Subject Preparing for a concert takes time.

Direct Object Lane began practicing his flute.

Object of Preposition

Before playing the music, he studied it.

Predicate Noun

His big challenge was walking onstage.

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.

Gerund Phrase: Singing softly was difficult. (subject)

Participial Phrase:

Singing softly, he calmed the baby.

Gerund Phrase We began singing the song. (direct object)

Participial Phrase:

The girl singing the song is Pat.

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?

1. Singing opera, they use their voices in special ways.2. Bart received the prize for being the best tenor. 3. Being the best tenor, Bart had many solo parts. 4. You should try singing high C.5. Humming in the background, the chorus set a mood. 6. Appearing with a professional cast was Kristen’s dream. 7. Facing the audience can be the hardest part. 8. Practicing day and night is a necessary ingredient for succeeding as

an opera singer. 9. Taking their seats, the members of the orchestra began tuning their

instruments. 10. Accompanying the singer, the violin section slowly played the tragic

melody.

Possessives in Gerund Phrases

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

Which is correct?

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.

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

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.