1. I can identify and explain the function of gerunds in a sentence.
Learning Target:
I can identify and explain the function of gerunds in a sentence.
ELA8L1: Explain the function of verbals (gerunds, participles, infinitives) in general and their function in particular sentences.​​

2. A gerund is a verb form ending in -ing that is used as a noun.
Types of Verbals Part I:
Gerunds
A gerund is a verb form ending in -ing that is used as a noun.

3. All gerunds will end in –ing Not all words ending in –ing are gerunds
Gerunds end in -ing
All gerunds will end in –ing
Not all words ending in –ing are gerunds
They could be verbs
They could be participles
It is how the word is used that will determine whether it is a gerund or not.

4. Gerunds are used as NOUNS
Nouns can have 5 different functions within a sentence.
Subject: tells who or what the sentence is about.
Predicate Nominative: is in the predicate AND that identifies the subject or refers to it. It completes the meaning of the linking verb.
Indirect Object: tells to whom or to what or for what the action of the verb is done.
Direct Object: answers the questions “Whom? “Or “What?” After a transitive verb.
Object of the Preposition: noun or pronoun that the preposition is relating to.
Gerunds are used as nouns. Therefore, GERUNDS CAN HAVE 5 DIFFERENT FUNCTIONS within a sentence.

5. 5 Functions of a Gerund
Skiing down that slope was fun. (Subject) Dad’s favorite pastime is fishing for trout and bass. (Predicate Nominative) Give sailing a try. (Indirect Object) We enjoyed hiking in the mountains. (Direct Object) Please sweep the front sidewalk after mowing. (Object of the Preposition)

6. Gerund Phrases
A gerund phrase consists of a gerund and any modifiers or compliments the gerund has. THE ENTIRE PHRASE IS USED AS A NOUN.

7. Just like Gerunds, Gerund Phrases are used as NOUNS
Nouns can have 5 different functions within a sentence.
Subject: tells who or what the sentence is about.
Predicate Nominative: is in the predicate AND that identifies the subject or refers to it. It completes the meaning of the linking verb.
Indirect Object: tells to whom or to what or for what the action of the verb is done.
Direct Object: answers the questions “Whom? “Or “What?” After a transitive verb.
Object of the Preposition: noun or pronoun that the preposition is relating to.
Since gerund phrases are used as nouns, they can function as any of those 5 sentence parts.

8. Use any of the gerund phrases in sentences of your own
Use any of the gerund phrases in sentences of your own. Identify each gerund phrase used as either a subject, a predicate nominative, a direct object, or an object of preposition.
*getting up in the morning *jumping in the cold water *arguing among themselves *repairing the tires on my bicycle *sharpening my pencil