1. Gerunds

2. What are gerunds? Voting is an important responsibility.
I will keep fighting for a new hospital.
Let’s discuss improving our schools.

3. Form + = + = + = + = A gerund is the base form of a verb + -ing.
Gerunds can be used as nouns. +
verb
-ing =
noun
work +
-ing =
working
pay +
-ing =
paying
improve +
-ing =
improving

4. Gerunds as Subjects Voting is an important responsibility. Choosing
A gerund can be the subject of a sentence.
It is always singular.
singular subject
Voting
is an important responsibility.
Choosing
a candidate takes time.

5. Be Careful!
Don’t confuse gerunds with the present progressive verb form.
present progressive
I am voting today.
verb
gerund
Voting is an important responsibility.
subject

6. Practice 1 Complete the sentences with gerunds. Windsurfing
Example: __________ is very exciting.
__________ makes me laugh.
__________ gives me a headache.
__________ isn’t polite.
__________ is popular in my country.
__________ destroys the environment.
Not __________ can be dangerous.

7. Gerunds as Objects A gerund can be the direct object of a sentence.
verb
object
suggest
I suggest improving our schools.
verb
object
enjoy
I enjoy working for the people.

8. Practice 2 Complete the dialogues with gerund phrases. Example:
A: Why do Christophe and Hiro go hiking so often?
B: They both enjoy ____________.
watching birds
1. A: I need a ride to the airport.
B: I don’t mind ____________.
2. A: Dad, can I go outside and play?
B: Have you finished ____________.
3. A: Why did Javier look so sad today?
B: I think he really misses _____________.

9. Gerunds with Go We often use go + gerund to describe activities.
The gerund after go is the direct object.
Our family goes bowling every Saturday.
Ali went jogging with his dog.

10. Practice 3 Ask a partner how often he or she does these activities.
How often do you go dancing?
I go dancing every night. 1. 2.

11. Practice 4 Ask a partner how often he or she does these activities. 4.3. 5.

12. Object of the Preposition
Gerunds can also function as the object of a prepositional phrase.
Ex. (After washing) the dishes, I will go to bed.
Ex. I got an award (for saving a puppy).

13. Appositive
Gerunds can also function as an appositive, which renames a noun.
Appositives are separated from the sentence with commas.
Ex. My favorite hobby, singing on stage, takes a lot of time.
Ex. My job, teaching students, is very rewarding.

14. Predicate Nominative
Gerunds can also function as predicate nominatives
A predicate nominative is a linking verb + a gerund- renames the subject
Ex. My favorite hobby is singing on stage.
Ex. My job is teaching students.