Gerund Phrases

1. Gerund Phrases

2. 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.

3. 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)

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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? • Singing opera, they use their voices in special ways. • Bart received the prize for being the best tenor. • Being the best tenor, Bart had many solo parts. • You should try singing high C. • Humming in the background, the chorus set a mood. • Appearing with a professional cast was Kristen’s dream. • Facing the audience can be the hardest part. • Practicing day and night is a necessary ingredient for succeeding as an opera singer. • Taking their seats, the members of the orchestra began tuning their instruments. • Accompanying the singer, the violin section slowly played the tragic melody.

7. Possessives in Gerund Phrases • Always use the possessive form of a noun or pronoun before a gerund.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.