Gerund Phrases
Grund phrases are phrases that have 'gerunds,' 'its object,' and any 'modifiers' or 'complements.' In this lesson, we will learn all about them.
What Are Gerund Phrases?
A gerund phrase is a phrase that includes a gerund and any modifiers, complements, or object that accompany it.
A gerund phrase acts as a single noun within a sentence, and it can serve various functions, such as a subject, object, or complement.
Gerund Phrases: Structure
A gerund phrase consist of:
- a gerund
- its object (also called gerund complement)
- modifiers (adverbs or adverbial/prepositional phrases) which can include another gerund
Pay attention that a gerund phrase always starts with the gerund.
Let's start with a simple example:
In the gerund phrase above:
- 'Driving' is the gerund.
- 'A car' is the direct object of the gerund (also called the gerund complement)
- 'Carelessly is a modifier (an adverb).
Now take a look at a more complex example:
- gerund → driving
- direct object → a car
- modifier → without paying attention (gerund phrase)
Here, 'without paying attention' is an adverbial phrase, which itself contains a gerund phrase (paying attention) consisting of a gerund (paying) and its complement (attention).
'Baking a cake' is a gerund phrase used as the subject of the sentence
Tip!
A gerund phrase does not necessarily need an object:
Gerund phrase → Gerund (Driving) + Modifier (carelessly)
A gerund phrase can also be without a modifier:
The dog doesn't care about
Gerund phrase → Gerund (destroying) + object (the flowers)
Gerund Phrases: Functions
A gerund phrase acts as a noun, therefore it can function as:
- a subject
- an object (direct and indirect)
- an object of a preposition
- a predicate nominative (the complement of a linking verb)
My son enjoys
He gave
Studying a new language is futile without
My favorite activity is
Tip!
A gerund phrase normally does not need any punctuation.
Gerund Phrases vs. Participle Phrases
Do not confuse gerund phrases with participle phrases. Remember:
- Gerund phrase acts as a noun
- Participle phrase acts as a modifier (an adjective or an adverb)
This is a gerund phrase.
This is a participle phrase.
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