1. Looks like a VERB, acts like a NOUN ALWAYS ends in -ing
Gerunds
Looks like a VERB, acts like a NOUN
ALWAYS ends in -ing

2. Gerunds Can be used in any of the six noun “slots.” Subject
Predicate Nominative
Direct Object
Indirect Object
Object of the Preposition
Appositive

3. Gerunds as Subjects
The subject is usually at the beginning of the sentence.
Swimming is the best sport ever!
Looking for work can be a difficult task.

4. Gerunds as predicate nominatives
Remember that PNs follow linking verbs. They can EASILY be confused with action verbs… read the sentence carefully.
Which one is a PN?
My favorite hobby is knitting. (Hint: The hobby isn’t doing the knitting!)
She is athletic, and her best sport is diving.
NOT A PN:
I am running a marathon this weekend.

5. Gerunds as direct objects
Direct Objects follow action verbs and tell who or what.
Janie loves playing video games.
All of the students like taking notes on gerunds.

6. Gerunds as Indirect objects
Remember you must first have a DO.
IO’s tell for/to whom/what.
Sharon gives studying her best effort.
However, she gives watching TV all her time.

7. Gerunds as objects of prepositions
Objects of prepositions follow preps and are in phrases.
I will study for exams by taking good notes.
You will need a new pen set for drawing pictures.

8. Gerunds as Appositives
Appositives can rename any noun. A gerund as an appositive might look like this:
My hobby, swimming, keeps me in shape.

9. Gerunds vs. other –ing words
Gerunds vs. Participles
Participles modify nouns.
Gerunds are nouns.
Which one’s which?
The crying baby was hungry.
She got her way by crying.

10. Gerunds vs. other –ing words
Many verbs can end in –ing. Be aware of them!
Which one’s which?
The children were running in the park.
Her hobby was running in the park.