WRITING LESSON: Expanding by Adding Gerund Phrases to a Sentence Base

GER – V

S – V – GER.

Another easy way to expand a sentence is by adding a gerund, which is one of three kinds of verbals.

DEFINITION

* A gerund is a verbal that ends in -ing and is used as a noun.

Examples:

"Laughing is one of Morgan's favorite activities." (gerund used as the subject of the sentence)

"Madeline started doodling at the age of three." (gerund used as the direct object)

"Because of deep thinking, Julia is in great mental condition."(gerund used as object of preposition)

"You can become a better student by studying, organizing your time, arranging your locker carefully, and listening carefully during class. (gerunds used as objects of preposition "by")

More Examples:

Finding a needle in a haystack would be easier than what Joseph is trying to do.	The gerund phrase functions as the subject of the sentence. Finding (gerund) a needle (direct object of action expressed in gerund) in a haystack (prepositional phrase as adverb)
I hope that you appreciate my offering you this opportunity.	The gerund phrase functions as the direct object of the verb appreciate. my (possessive pronoun adjective form, modifying the gerund) offering (gerund) you (indirect object of action expressed in gerund) this opportunity (direct object of action expressed in gerund)
Asia's favorite activity is being kind to her friends.	The gerund phrase functions as the subject complement. being kind (gerund) her friends (object of prep. “to”)
You might get in trouble for faking an illness to avoid work.	The gerund phrase functions as the object of the preposition for. faking (gerund) an illness (direct object of action expressed in gerund) to avoid work (infinitive phrase as adverb)
Being the boss made Morgan feel uneasy.	The gerund phrase functions as the subject of the sentence. Being (gerund)

Exercise on Gerunds:

Underline the gerunds or gerund phrases in the following sentences and label how they function in the sentence (subject, direct object, subject complement, object of preposition).

1. Beating up boys keeps Lily in shape.
2. Swimming in Madeline’s dragon-shaped pool is always fun.
3. Telling your father was a mistake.
4. The college recommends sending applications early.
5. Julia won the game by scoring during the overtime period.
6. Joseph’s most important achievement was winning the national championship.
7. Going to school today took all of Morgan's energy.
8. Fighting for a losing cause made Lily depressed.