This discussion is about gerunds and the 5 different functions namely: subject, subject complement, direct object, object of the preposition, and appositive. Gerund is a verb formed into a gerund by adding -ing at the end of the verb; hence, it is called a verbal. For example, swim + -ing becomes swimming; draw + -ing becomes drawing - these are the basic structure of gerunds. However, its function differs from that of a verb because it functions as a noun and all the other functions of a noun. This presentation gives a comprehensive discussion and simple conceptualization of gerunds and the 5 different functions. It is used in an ESL classroom to help learners understand the lesson.

1. GERUNDS
& its different functions

2. Let us see how keen you are in
finding the key words that are
relevant to our lesson for today!

4. Let’s turn the following verbs into gerunds by adding –ing.
◦swim
◦draw
◦exercise
◦pray
◦decorate
◦build
◦swimming
◦drawing
◦exercising
◦praying
◦decorating
◦building
◦join
◦create
◦treat
◦advocate
◦bully
◦sit
◦joining
◦creating
◦treating
◦advocating
◦bullying
◦sitting

5. What is a gerund?
◦It is a verb ending in –ing that can also be
used as a noun!
◦Hence, it is also considered a verbal.
◦If this is the case, it is called a gerund!

6. Gerunds always end in –ing.
◦They are used in the sentence as nouns and in every
way that any other noun can be used:
◦Swimming is a good exercise. (Subject)
◦Jane does not enjoy cooking. (Direct Object)
◦After eating, relax for a while. (Object of the
Preposition)

7. Gerunds always end in –ing.
Subject
Subject
Complement
Direct
Object
Object of
Preposition
Appositive

8. Gerund as a subject:
Reading books is my favorite pastime activity.
Smoking is forbidden in this building.
Learning English is easy..
Playing football is my favorite sport.
Joining in outreach activities can add points to your resume.

9. Gerund as a subject complement :
It is a word or group of words following a linking
verb that renames, describes, or identifies the subject.
My favorite pastime activity is reading books.
What is forbidden in this building is smoking.
What I find easy is learning English.
My favorite rough sport is playing football.

10. Gerund as a direct object:
After some verbs (love – like – dislike – hate – enjoy –
prefer), we add the –ing form of the verb.
I love watching the sun set every evening.
She likes going to the cinema on Sundays .
The students prefer spending time on their cellphones.
Barotacnons enjoy playing football more than any other sport.

11. Gerund as an object of preposition:
follows a preposition (in, on, to, from, for, between,
under, above, beside, with, without, about, etc…
Between cooking and cleaning, he doesn’t have much time to relax.
She cannot decide about going on the date.
The farmers considers on harvesting their crops.
They stopped themselves from joining the gang.

12. Gerund as an appositive:
re-names a noun [or noun phrase] that
immediately precedes it, and giving more
information about the noun or phrase.
A healthy snack, eating an apple, helps to keep the doctor away.
My favorite pastime, hunting, was taking up too much time.

13. Gerund as an appositive:
Psychology, studying the human mind, has become a popular major at
university recently.
Miss Johnson’s wish, becoming married before the age of 30, is
typical of today’s young woman.
My hobby, swimming, is great exercise.

14. Find the gerund in the sentence and identify its function.
Travelling might satisfy your desire for new experiences.
They do not appreciate my singing.
My cat’s favorite activity is sleeping.
The police arrested him for speeding.
Finding a needle in a haystack would be easier than what we’re trying to do.

15. Find the gerund in the sentence and identify its function.
Olivia loves running around the block.
The best form of exercise, walking, is also the least expensive.
After breaking up, we also took a break from any romantic relationships.
Swimming helps me unwind.
The amateur swimmer practiced kicking.