Gerunds and Gerund Phrases

Gerund   is a verbal that is formed by adding -ing to a verb. Gerund is used as a noun or adverb. Look at the examples,

  •  Reading may broaden your thinking. ("Reading" is used as noun, subject.)
  •  My favorite hobby is sleeping. ("Sleeping" is used as noun, subject complement.)
  •  I thanked him for helping. ("Helping" is used as noun, object of preposition.)
  •  He goes skiing every winter. ("Skiing" is used as an adverb telling place.)


Gerund phrase is a group of related words that begins with a gerund and ends with its object or modifiers.

Gerund phrase = Gerund + Object /Modifiers

Gerund phrase is used as noun or adverb.

AS NOUN

  •  Driving a car needs concentration. (Subject)
  •  Staying updated with technology is a key to success in job. (Subject)
  •  Thida has finished painting his room. (Direct object)
  •  My nephew loves playing computer games. (Direct object)
  •  She gives studying English her best effort. (Indirect object)
  •  Some people give playing chess their attention. (Indirect object)
  •  I am tired of waiting for him. (Object of preposition)
  •  The man has been accused of stealing the money. (Object of preposition)
  •  Success is not only earning a lot of money. (Subject complement)
  •  Our dream is owning a small shop.(Subject complement)
  •  Her favorite exercise, swimming in the pool, makes her body strong.  (Appositive)
  •  His tough job, dealing with difficult customers, makes him tired. (Appositive)

AS ADVERB

  •  He usually goes camping in summer. (Adverb)
  •  Who did you go dancing with? (Adverb)