1. Gerunds!

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Identify the Gerund Phrase Looking into the camera, the young girl poses for the picture.

6. 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.

7. Identify the Gerund Phrase The young boy in the striped shirt likes painting pictures.

8. 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.

9. Identify the Gerund Wrapping presents was Ginger’s favorite Christmas activity.

10. Identify the Gerund Wrapping presents was Ginger’s favorite Christmas activity. Wrapping ends in “ing” Wrap is a verb Wrapping presents is a noun.

11. 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.

12. 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.