Section 3 The Art of Compering Ex 3.6
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Gerund Phrases on English Grammar
Gerund phrases are a type of phrase in English grammar that
consists of a gerund (a verb form ending in -ing) along with its modifiers and
complements. Here's a breakdown of what gerund phrases are and how they
function:
1. Definition of a Gerund: A gerund is a verb form that
functions as a noun in a sentence. It is formed by adding the suffix -ing to
the base form of a verb (e.g., "swimming," "eating,"
"reading").
2. Formation of Gerund Phrases: Gerund phrases are formed by
placing a gerund at the beginning of a phrase and adding modifiers and
complements to create a larger unit that functions as a single noun. These
modifiers and complements can include adjectives, adverbs, prepositional
phrases, and even direct objects.
3. Examples of Gerund Phrases:
• "Swimming
in the ocean" (gerund phrase functioning as the subject of the sentence).
• "He
enjoys reading novels before bed" (gerund phrase functioning as the object
of the verb "enjoys").
• "She
is good at painting landscapes" (gerund phrase with a prepositional phrase
as a modifier).
4. Functions of Gerund Phrases:
• Subject:
Gerund phrases can function as the subject of a sentence, performing the action
described by the gerund. For example, "Reading books is enjoyable."
• Object:
Gerund phrases can function as the direct object or indirect object of a verb.
For example, "He enjoys swimming" (direct object) or "She
thanked him for helping" (indirect object).
• Complement:
Gerund phrases can function as a complement of a verb, adjective, or
preposition. For example, "Her hobby is painting" (complement of the
linking verb "is") or "He is interested in learning
Spanish" (complement of the preposition "in").
5. Placement in Sentences:
Gerund phrases can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence,
depending on their role and the structure of the sentence. They are flexible in
their placement and can be moved around without changing the basic meaning of
the sentence.
6. Usage
Tips:
• Gerund
phrases are often used to describe ongoing actions or habitual activities.
• They can
be used to express general concepts or abstract ideas.
• Gerund phrases are commonly used after certain verbs, such as "enjoy," "like," "dislike," "avoid," "admit," and "consider."