Chapter 14B
Diagramming the Gerund and the
Gerund Phrase
I. The Gerund
A. is a verbal that ends in -ing and
functions as a noun
B. it occupies positions in a sentence
that a noun ordinarily would:
subject, indirect object, direct
object, predicate nominative, and
object of preposition
II. The Gerund
Phrase
A. A gerund can be combined with modifiers,
objects, or other phrases to make a gerund
phrase.
B. The gerund phrase will include the gerund
and anything that modifies or is an object
of the gerund.
C. The whole gerund phrase can occupy
positions in a sentence that a noun ordinarily
would: subject, indirect object, direct object,
predicate nominative, and object of
preposition
III. Diagramming The Gerund
Phrase
A. The gerund must be on a platform in the space where the
noun would be. We use the “waiter holding a tray” to
represent this form.
* Swimming is fun!
Swim
ming
The gerund should
curve around the
corner of the step or
“spill off the tray.”
is
fun
III. Diagramming The Gerund
Phrase
B. Modifiers of the gerund go on the right side of the center
line.
* Swimming with Bob is fun.
Think of this as giving your waiter
more to carry. Nothing will fit on
the other side because that it where
the tray with the gerund is!
Swim
ming
Bob
is
fun
III. Diagramming The Gerund
Phrase
C. Obejcts of the gerund go on the right side of the center
line after an object line.
* Swimming laps with Bob is fun.
Swim
ming
laps
Bob
is
fun
As always, be careful of the
placement of your prepositional
phrase. Always put them under
what they modify. Is this
“swimming how?” or “what kind of
laps?”
PRACTICE!
1. Hunting for gerunds is my favorite grammatical sport.
2. We enjoy chasing them around Mrs. Thomas’ room.
3. They are very good at hiding under chairs and tables.
4. Mrs. Thomas is hunting for gerunds!
5. Before attacking the gerund, Mrs. Thomas crept up
silently
REMEMBER!
1. A gerund will always end in –ing.
2. A gerund functions as a noun.
3. A gerund can be in any spot a noun
would be.
4. BE CAREFUL! If it modifies like an
adjective, it is a participle. If it acts
like a verb, it is a verb or a part of a
verb phrase!