English Language Arts
Grade 9
15 min
Identify gerunds and their functions
Identify gerunds and their functions
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define a gerund and differentiate it from a present participle.
Identify gerunds and gerund phrases within complex sentences.
Analyze the function of a gerund as a subject.
Analyze the function of a gerund as a direct object.
Analyze the function of a gerund as a subject complement.
Analyze the function of a gerund as an object of a preposition.
Construct original sentences using gerunds in various functions to enhance writing style.
Ever notice how you can turn an action into a *thing*? šāāļø 'Running is my favorite hobby.' How does a verb like 'run' suddenly become the subject of a sentence?
This tutorial will teach you how to identify and use gerundsāverbs that act as nouns. Mastering gerunds will allow you to write more sophisti...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
VerbalA word formed from a verb but functioning as a different part of speech, such as a noun, adjective, or adverb.In 'I love swimming,' the word 'swimming' is a verbal.
GerundA specific type of verbal that ends in '-ing' and functions exclusively as a noun.Studying is essential for success.
SubjectThe noun or pronoun that performs the action of the verb or is the main topic of the sentence.In 'Reading builds empathy,' the gerund 'Reading' is the subject.
Direct ObjectThe noun or pronoun that receives the action of the main verb. It answers the question 'what?' or 'whom?' after the verb.The protagonist dreads returning home. (Dreads what? -> returning home)
Subject ComplementA word or phrase th...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The '-ing' Noun Test
If you can replace the '-ing' word or phrase with a pronoun like 'it,' 'that,' or 'something,' it is functioning as a noun and is therefore a gerund.
Use this test to confirm if an '-ing' word is a gerund. For example, in 'Analyzing the poem is difficult,' you can say 'It is difficult.' This confirms 'Analyzing the poem' is a gerund phrase.
The Function Formula
1. Find the main verb. 2. Ask questions to determine the gerund's role:
- Is the gerund *doing* the action? -> Subject
- Does the gerund *receive* the action? -> Direct Object
- Does the gerund *rename* the subject after a linking verb? -> Subject Complement
- Does the gerund *follow* a prepos...
4 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
A student needs to revise the weak sentence, "The fact that she was arguing her point so passionately was what convinced the jury." Which revision uses a gerund phrase as the subject for a more powerful and concise sentence?
A.The jury was convinced by the passionate arguing of her point.
B.Arguing her point so passionately convinced the jury.
C.She convinced the jury by arguing her point so passionately.
D.Her point, argued passionately, is what convinced the jury.
Challenging
Analyze the sentence: "Despite his complaining, the teacher insisted on his finishing the assignment before leaving." Which statement correctly identifies a gerund and its function?
A.'complaining' is a gerund acting as the subject of the sentence.
B.'finishing' is a gerund acting as the object of the preposition 'on'.
C.'leaving' is a gerund acting as the direct object of 'finishing'.
D.'complaining' is a gerund acting as a subject complement.
Challenging
To make it more concise, revise the sentence "The committee will discuss if they should approve the new budget" by using a gerund phrase as the direct object. Which is the best revision?
A.The committee will discuss approving the new budget.
B.Approving the new budget will be discussed by the committee.
C.The committee's discussion is approving the new budget.
D.The committee will have a discussion about approving the new budget.
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