The gerund phrase consists of the gerund, which always ends in -ing, and its modifiers and complements. The gerund phrase is always used as a noun.
Driving a car takes concentration. (The gerund phrase is the subject of the verb takes).
Paul finished painting the ceiling. (The gerund phrase is the direct object of finished).
After hiking for two hours, we sat down to rest. (The gerund phrase is the object of the preposition after.
Part A Identifying Gerund Phrases: Underline the gerund phrases in the sentences below.
Example: Brisk walking is Don's favorite exercise.
1. Keeping a light on in the house helps discourage robbers.
2. Mrs. Norman enjoys playing bridge.
3. I remember promising Steve my old bike.
4. Standing during a two-hour train trip is not my idea of fun.
5. Do you like sailing on the lake?
6. Volunteering at the hospital is just one of Helen's activities.
7. Mrs. Brent enjoys watching quiz shows on television.
8. Allow twenty minutes a pound for roasting the turkey.
9. Taking out the garbage is not my favorite job around the house.
10. Understanding a foreign language and speaking it well are two different things.
11. Acting in high school and college plays helped prepare Tim for Broadway.
12. Collecting stamps is a popular hobby.
13. Rushing through your chores will get you nowhere.
14. Don't you ever get tired of listening to the radio?
15. Mr. Olson never tires of talking about his grandchildren.
16. Bird watching with binoculars is a popular pastime.
17. Arguing with me takes much of my little brother's time.
18. Constant complaining helps no one.
19. Listening to the concerto is sheer pleasure for Joan.
20. After standing behind the counter all day, Jim likes to relax at night.
Part B Using Gerund Phrases: Select one of the gerund phrases from the sentences above. Write four sentences using the gerund phrase as a subject, direct object, predicate nominative, and