English Language Arts
Grade 7
15 min
Identify gerunds and their functions
Identify gerunds and their functions
What you'll learn
- Identify gerunds within complex sentences with 80% accuracy on a formative assessment.
- Explain the different functions of gerunds (subject, direct object, indirect object, predicate nominative, object of the preposition) in written sentences, providing at least one original example for each function with 100% accuracy.
- Apply knowledge of gerunds to correctly rewrite five sentences, replacing nouns with gerund phrases while maintaining the original meaning with 100% accuracy.
- Analyze the effect of using gerunds versus other noun forms on sentence structure and style in a given paragraph, identifying at least three specific instances and explaining the stylistic impact of each with 100% accuracy.
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define a gerund and identify its characteristic '-ing' ending.
Distinguish between a gerund and a present participle in a sentence.
Identify gerunds functioning as subjects of sentences.
Identify gerunds functioning as direct objects of verbs.
Identify gerunds functioning as objects of prepositions.
Recognize gerund phrases and their collective function within a sentence.
Explain the role of gerunds in making writing more concise and varied.
Have you ever noticed how some words that look like verbs can act like nouns? 🤔 Get ready to uncover the secret life of '-ing' words!
In this lesson, you'll learn all about gerunds – special words that end in '-ing' but function as nouns. Understanding gerunds will help you analy...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
GerundA verb form ending in '-ing' that functions as a noun in a sentence. It can act as a subject, direct object, object of a preposition, or other noun functions.My favorite hobby is *reading*.
Gerund PhraseA gerund along with its modifiers (adjectives, adverbs) and/or complements (direct objects, predicate nominatives). The entire phrase functions as a single noun.*Running quickly down the street* is great exercise.
SubjectThe noun or pronoun that performs the action of the verb or is described by the verb. A gerund can serve as the subject of a sentence.*Swimming* is a great way to stay fit.
Direct ObjectA noun or pronoun that receives the action of a transitive verb. A gerund can be the direct object of a verb.I enjoy *writing* stories.
Object of a Pre...
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Key Rules & Conventions
Gerund Form and Function
A gerund is always a verb form ending in '-ing' that acts as a noun.
To identify a gerund, first look for '-ing' words. Then, determine if the word is performing a noun's job in the sentence (e.g., naming something, being the subject, receiving an action).
Distinguishing Gerunds from Present Participles
If an '-ing' word functions as a noun, it's a gerund. If it functions as an adjective or part of a verb phrase, it's a present participle.
Ask yourself: 'Is this '-ing' word naming an activity or thing?' If yes, it's likely a gerund. If it's describing a noun or is part of a verb like 'is walking,' it's a present participle.
Identifying Gerund Functions
Ger...
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Challenging
Analyze the sentence: "Carefully researching a topic before writing the first draft is a strategy recommended by most teachers." What is the complete subject of the verb 'is'?
A.strategy
B.writing the first draft
C.most teachers
D.Carefully researching a topic before writing the first draft
Challenging
Which sentence correctly uses a gerund phrase as a direct object?
A.The team's ultimate ambition, winning the finals, fueled their practice.
B.After winning the finals, the team celebrated.
C.The coach's new strategy involves winning the finals at all costs.
D.Winning the finals requires immense dedication.
Challenging
In which of the following sentences is the '-ing' word functioning as a present participle (an adjective or part of a verb), and NOT as a gerund?
A.My greatest fear is public speaking.
B.The sound of the howling wind was eerie.
C.He is passionate about helping others.
D.We tried solving the puzzle together.
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What grade level is "Identify gerunds and their functions"?
Identify gerunds and their functions is a Grade 7 English Language Arts lesson on ExcelOS.
What will I learn in Identify gerunds and their functions?
You'll be able to: Identify gerunds within complex sentences with 80% accuracy on a formative assessment; Explain the different functions of gerunds (subject, direct object, indirect object, predicate nominative, object of the preposition) in….
Is "Identify gerunds and their functions" free to practice?
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How many practice questions are included with Identify gerunds and their functions?
This lesson includes 25 practice questions across multiple difficulty levels, each with instant feedback and explanations.