Gerunds!

Definition

• A gerund is a verb phrase that ends in “ing” and acts as a noun. – Inventing can be dangerous. (invent)– After seeing this mental image, Mary was

terrified. (see)

– Both underlined parts act as nouns.

Examples

• Calling the monster Frankenstein is a mistake.• Frankenstein’s error was creating the monster.• I like watching horror movies.• The monster was responsible for killing three

people.

• Gerunds can appear anywhere in a sentence.

How do I find them?

• Follow these simple steps!

1. Look for words that end in “ing”

2. Ask yourself, “is the word a verb?”

3. Ask yourself, “is the word acting as more of a verb or a noun?

• Opening her eyes reminded her that the vision was not real.

Identify the Gerund Phrase

• Looking into the camera, the young girl poses for the picture.

Identify the Gerund Phrase

• Looking into the camera, the young girl poses for the picture.

• Looking ends in “ing”• Look is a verb• Looking into the

camera is a noun that tells what the girl is doing.

Identify the Gerund Phrase

• The young boy in the striped shirt likes painting pictures.

Identify the Gerund Phrase

• The young boy in the striped shirt likes painting pictures.

• Painting ends in “ing”• Paint is a verb• Painting pictures is a

noun. It is the subject of the sentence.

Identify the Gerund

• Wrapping presents was Ginger’s favorite Christmas activity.

Identify the Gerund

• Wrapping presents was Ginger’s favorite Christmas activity.

• Wrapping ends in “ing”• Wrap is a verb• Wrapping presents is a

noun.

Identify the Gerund

• Falling asleep was difficult for Mary that night.

• Completing Frankenstein at 19 was an incredible accomplishment.

• Mary Shelley is famous for creating the Gothic novel Frankenstein.

• The monster was responsible for killing three people.

Identify the Gerund

• Falling asleep was difficult for Mary that night.

• Completing Frankenstein at 19 was an incredible accomplishment.

• Mary Shelley is famous for creating the Gothic novel Frankenstein.

• The monster was responsible for killing three people.