This document discusses gerunds, which are verb forms ending in "-ing" that function as nouns. It provides examples of gerunds being used as subjects and objects of sentences. As subjects, gerunds are always singular and require a third-person singular verb. As objects, gerunds follow certain verbs like "suggest" and "enjoy". The document also discusses using "go + gerund" to describe activities and provides exercises for readers to practice identifying and using gerunds.

1. 9 Gerunds:
Subject and Object
Elections
Focus on Grammar 3
Part VII, Unit 27
By Ruth Luman, Gabriele Steiner, and BJ Wells
Copyright © 2006. Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

2. Running for Office 1
Voting is an important responsibility.
I will keep
fighting
Let’s discuss for a new
improving our hospital.
schools.

3. Running for Office 2
Choosing a candidate takes time.
I enjoy
working for
the people. Do you resent
paying higher
taxes?

4. Form
A gerund is the base form of a verb + -ing.
Gerunds can be used as nouns.
verb + -ing = noun
work + -ing = working
pay + -ing = paying
improve + -ing = improving

5. Gerunds as Subjects
A gerund can be the subject of a sentence. It is
always singular. Use a third-person singular verb
after a gerund.
singular subject
Voting is an important responsibility.
Choosing a candidate takes time.

6. Be Careful!
Don’t confuse gerunds with the
present progressive verb form.
present progressive
I am voting today.
verb
gerund
Voting is an important responsibility.
subject

7. Complete the sentences
Practice 1 with gerunds.
Example: Windsurfing
__________ is very exciting.
1. __________ makes me laugh.
2. __________ gives me a headache.
3. __________ isn’t polite.
4. __________ is popular in my country.
5. __________ destroys the environment.
6. Not __________ can be dangerous.

8. Gerunds as Objects
A gerund can be the object of certain verbs.
verb object
suggest I suggest improving our schools.
verb object
enjoy I enjoy working for the people.

9. Complete the dialogues
Practice 2 with gerund phrases.
Example:
A: Why do Christophe and Hiro go hiking so often?
watching birds
B: They both enjoy ____________.
1. A: I need a ride to the airport.
B: I don’t mind ____________.
2. A: Dad, can I go outside and play?
B: Have you finished ____________.
3. A: Why did Javier look so sad today?
B: I think he really misses _____________.

10. Gerunds with Go
We often use go + gerund to describe
activities.
Our family goes bowling every Saturday.
Ali went jogging with his dog.

11. Ask a partner how often he or
Practice 3 she does these activities.
How often do you
I go dancing
go dancing?
every night.
1. 2.

12. Ask a partner how often he or
Practice 4 she does these activities.
4.
3. 5.

13. References
Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education
and its licensors. All rights reserved.