Gerunds: Functions as Subject and Object
A gerund is a verb form that ends in -ing and functions as a noun . Because it acts as a noun, a gerund can take on any role a noun plays in a sentence, most commonly serving as the subject or the object of a verb or preposition . Gerund as a Subject When a gerund functions as the subject of a sentence, it performs the action described by the main verb. The gerund itself is a noun phrase and is treated as singular. Examples of Gerunds as Subjects Form Example Sentence Gerund Role Positive Swimming is a great exercise. Swimming Subject of the verb "is" Negative Not arriving on time caused problems. Not arriving Subject of the verb "caused" Interrogative Is studying for the test important? Studying Subject of the verb "is" Positive Reading fiction expands your vocabulary . Reading Subject of the verb "expands" Gerund as an Object A gerund can function as the object in a sentence in a few ways: Direct Object : It receives the action of t...