Gerunds- Review

Is there a gerund phrase in this sentence? How do you know? In time, you'll start to like reading.

Yes. In time, you'll start to like "that." Replacing the -ing verb with a pronoun makes sense, so it is a gerund.

Gerund

a verbal that ends in -ing and functions as a noun

Identify the gerund phrase. The problem is applying the mind to the task.

applying the mind

Explain the trick for correctly identifying a gerund versus an -ing verb used as a verb

Since gerunds act as nouns, one way to check if an -ing word is a gerund is to replace it with a pronoun, like this or that. If it makes sense, the -ing verb is being used as a noun, and therefore is a gerund.

What functions can gerunds serve in a sentence?

1. Subjects (Going to the movies is expensive) 2. Direct Object of Verb (I like going to the movies) 3. After a linking verb (My favorite thing is going to the movies) 4. After a preposition (You can get kicked out of the theater for sneaking into a movie)

gerund phrase

Consists of a gerund and any modifiers or complements the gerund has.

Identify the gerund phrase and tell its function in the sentence. Flying terrifies some people.

Flying, Subject

Is there a gerund phrase in this sentence? How do you know? I found out she was lying about her age.

No. I found out she was "that" about her age. Replacing the -ing verb with a pronoun doesn't make sense. Here, the -ing verb is part of the actual verb phrase.

Identify the gerund phrase. The farmer needed other machines but spoke only of buying a new tractor.

buying a new tractor

Identify the gerund phrase. Each person will be given five dollars for distributing fliers.

distributing fliers (Object of Preposition)

Identify the gerund phrase and tell its function in the sentence. We enjoy eating ice cream.

eating ice cream, Direct Object

Identify the gerund phrase and tell its function in the sentence. You could get fired for faking an illness to avoid word.

faking an illness to avoid work, after a preposition

Identify the gerund phrase and tell its function in the sentence. The people absolutely loved his crazy guitar playing.

his crazy guitar playing, direct object of verb

Identify the gerund phrase. Mercy is overlooking your friends faults.

overlooking your friends faults

Identify the gerund phrase and tell its function in the sentence. My little brother enjoys playing in the sand.

playing in the sand Direct Object

Identify the gerund phrase and tell its function in the sentence. Realizing personal weakness is a first step toward gaining real strength.

realizing personal weakness Subject gaining real strength (Object of Preposition)

Identify the gerund phrase and tell its function in the sentence. Studying error will never teach you the truth.

studying error, Subject