Unit_023

Question 1

A gerund is a verb form (verbal) that functions as a noun. A gerund may function as the subject of a sentence, the direct object of a verb, the object of a preposition, or as a predicate noun after a linking verb. It may also be modified by an adjective, an adjective phrase, or by a noun or pronoun in the possessive case.

Answer 1

English Grammar Rule #179

Question 2

Because the gerund retains the characteristics of a verb, it may take a direct object, an indirect object, a predicate noun, or a predicate adjective as a complement. It may also be modified by an adverb or an adverbial phrase.

Answer 2

English Grammar Rule #180

Question 3

If the gerund is a form of an action verb, it expresses action. If it is a form of a linking verb, it expresses state of condition.

Answer 3

English Grammar Rule #181

Question 4

The gerund ends in ing. The present participle also ends in ing. The only way to tell whether a word ending in ing is a participle or a gerund, is to study its use in the sentence. If its functions as an adjective, it is a participle. If it functions as a noun, it is a gerund.

Answer 4

English Grammar Rule #182

Question 5

A gerund in frequently modified by a noun or a pronoun in the possessive case. A common error in English is to fail to put the noun or pronoun before the gerund in the possessive case. Failure to do this often leads to statement which are misleading and illogical.

Answer 5

English Grammar Rule #183

Question 6

A prepositional phrase containing a gerund should modify some word in the sentence. If there is no word in the sentence which the gerund phrase could logically modify, the phrase is called a dangling modifier. The gerund is called a dangling gerund.

Answer 6

English Grammar Rule #184