Finding the Role: Gerund Phrase Function Quiz

Gerund phrases are verb forms ending in -ing that work as nouns in the sentence.

The phrase is what keeps me entertained, so it acts as the subject.

The phrase tells what she enjoys, so it is the direct object of enjoys.

The phrase renames hobby after the linking verb is, so it acts as a predicate noun.

The phrase follows the preposition about, so it is the object of the preposition.

Because gerund phrases act like nouns, they can serve as the subject.

Gerund phrases can function as predicate nouns when they rename or identify the subject.

In A and E the gerund phrase is what is described by the verb, so it acts as the subject.

In A and C the gerund phrases tell what she suggested and what they finished, so they are direct objects.

The gerund phrase is what helps me relax, so it is the subject.

The phrase tells what he enjoys, so it is the direct object.

In C the phrase follows the preposition about, so it is the object of the preposition.

The phrase answers 'for what?' so it is the object of the preposition for.

In A, C, and E the gerund phrases follow a linking verb and rename the subject.

The phrase 'studying for tests' is what becomes easier, so it is the subject.

The phrase follows the preposition about, so it is the object of a preposition.

Replacing the gerund phrase with a regular noun shows whether it is a subject, object, or another noun role.

Direct objects answer 'what?' or 'whom?' after an action verb, and gerund phrases can fill this role.

In B, C, and D the phrase is a direct object, predicate noun, or object of a preposition, not the subject.

The phrase is what is her goal, so it acts as the subject of the sentence.