Gerunds Lesson Plan and Practice Worksheet
What Is a Gerund?
A gerund is a verb form that ends in -ing and functions as a noun within a sentence. Even though a gerund begins as a verb, it no longer shows action—instead, it names an activity, idea, or experience. This means a gerund can take on the same roles as any other noun: it can be the subject of a sentence, the object of a verb, the complement that renames a subject, or the object of a preposition.
Because gerunds look identical to present participles, students often confuse the two. The key difference is function: a gerund acts like a “thing,” while a participle acts like a verb or adjective. Understanding this distinction helps writers create clearer, more precise sentences and recognize how English turns actions into concepts.
Gerund Rules (Quick Notes)
A gerund is made by adding -ing to a verb: run → running, swim → swimming.
Gerunds always act as nouns, not verbs.
They can serve as:
Subjects: Running is fun.
Objects: I enjoy running.
Subject complements: Her favorite activity is running.
Objects of prepositions: She’s interested in running.
Common mistake: Don’t confuse a gerund with a present participle.
Gerund = noun: Reading helps me relax.
Participle = adjective or verb: I am reading a book.
Practice Together
Directions: Identify the gerund(s) in each sentence and name how it’s used (subject, object, complement, or object of preposition).
Swimming helps me stay in shape.
My hobby is painting.
She enjoys dancing in the rain.
They talked about moving to the city.
Singing loudly annoys my brother.
Answer Key
Swimming – subject
Painting – subject complement
Dancing – object
Moving – object of preposition
Singing – subject
Gerunds Quiz
Conclusion
Gerunds may look like simple -ing words, but they play an essential role in making writing smoother and more expressive. By recognizing how gerunds function as nouns—whether as subjects, objects, complements, or objects of prepositions—students gain greater control over sentence variety and clarity. Understanding the difference between gerunds and participles also helps prevent common grammar mix-ups. With continued practice, students will be able to identify and use gerunds confidently, strengthening both their grammar foundations and their overall writing skills.
