Grammar-QuizzesVerb PhrasesVerb Complements › Gerunds

Gerunds (gerund-participle, secondary verb, nonfinite clause)

Summary of Practices

 

 

Gerund Diagnostic: identify specific points that need review

Cat awaiting bath time

Identify specific English grammar points that need review.

 

Gerund-Participle: Is there a difference?  Compare the functions of -ing word forms

Intermediate–Advanced ESL, Native Speakers

part of speech?
 

The endings of those movies were disappointing. (SUBJ)

The movies were ending without finishing the story. (PRED)

Ending the movie production was difficult. (SUBJ)

The director began ending the movie production. (COMP)

The production ending in June will be shown in theaters in August. (MODIFIER)

Gerunds as Subjects: specify activities 

Beginning–Intermediate ESL

laptop

Computers save a lot of time.

Using computers saves a lot of time.

Our using computers saves a lot of time.

 

Verbs + Gerund: express opinion or comment on activities

Beginning–Intermediate ESL

Pac Bell Park

Fans enjoy seeing a good game.

They don't mind sitting in the cold night air.

They hate seeing their team lose.

Verb + Prep + Gerund: express opinion or comment on activities

Beginning–Advanced ESL

Frustration

He talks about leaving.

He accused us of complaining.

He keeps on making trouble.

He puts off and worries about making deadlines.

Gerund Cls w/Subject: comment on other people's activities  ('agent' is included)

Intermediate–Advanced ESL, Native Speakers

Fixing door

I thanked him for fixing my door.

I appreciate his fixing my door.

By vs. With: state method or instrument— How do you do it?

Beginning–Intermediate ESL

Package

You can open it by using a knife.

You can cut the string with a knife.

For + Gerund Clause: state the function of things— What is it for?

Beginning–Intermediate ESL

string

What's it for? It is for tying things together.

Why do you use it? to tie boxes.

How do you close boxes? with string / by using string.

Prep Phrase w/Gerund: relate one activity to another

Intermediate–Advanced. ESL

watching tv

Jason read the manual before beginning the installation.

You can't turn it on without plugging it in.

Jane got it working by using a different cable.

They stayed home instead of going out.

Sensory Verbs w/Gerund Cls: relate direct experience

Beginning–Intermediate ESL

sheep on the road

He saw/ watched/ observed him working.

We found / caught him napping.

He had a hard time studying all night.

He sat/ stood watching TV.

Nonfinite Clause—Timing & Voice: express earlier or later timing in infinitive and gerund clauses

Intermediate–Advanced ESL

door unlocked

Jack seems to have left the door unlocked. (earlier)

He should have known better. (earlier)

Jack remembers having left in a hurry. (earlier)

He admits to being preoccupied. (same time)

He was told to lock the door. (same time)

He plans to double-check the door before leaving. (later)

Gerund / Infinitive Practice 1:  determine the word form that follows the verb

Beginning–Intermediate ESL

Opening day baseball

We intended to go to the game.

We didn't want to miss going to the game.

Gerund / Infinitive Practice 2:  determine the word form  that follows the verb

Beginning–Intermediate ESL

boy with bat and ball

He wanted to play professional baseball.

He dreamed about playing professional baseball.

Verb + Prep Phrase Prac 1: determine the preposition that follows the verb

Beginning–Intermediate ESL

ballet

She dreamed of becoming a ballet dancer.

She dreamed about becoming a ballet dancer.

Verb + Prep Phrase Prac 2: determine the preposition that follows the verb

Beginning–Intermediate ESL

Studying with Children

I put off going to college.

Instead, I took care of raising my two children.

Verb + Prep Phrase Prac 3: determine the preposition that follows the verb

Beginning–Intermediate ESL

school

Most people aren't accustomed to working hard.

If you try, you can succeed in doing anything you want.

By vs. With Practice: state means, intrument or device

Beginning–Intermediate ESL

school

You can get there by following a map.

You can find your way with a map.

Parallel Wording in Lists: select like word forms in a series

Beginning–Intermediate ESL, Native Speakers

matched cherries on slot machine

He is very honest, kind and responsibility.

He is very honest, kind and responsible.

Gerunds in Context: Identify activities expressed as -ing forms

Intermediate–Advanced ESL, Native Speakers

Trading  page

eBay is the world's first, biggest, person-to-person online trading community. It's a place to find the stuff you want, to sell the stuff you have and to make a few friends while you're at it.

Finite / Nonfinite: recognize two clause categories (with primary and secondary verbs)

Advanced ESL, Native Speaker

Charlie dislikes sitting all day

The children helped Charlie raise the flag.

Charlie wants to raise his hand.

Charlie likes raising his hand.

The flag raised on the pole waved in the wind.

Nonfinite Clauses—Timing & Voice: express earlier, same or later timing  (active & passive)

Intermediate–Advanced ESL

door unlocked

Jack seems to have left the door unlocked. (earlier)

He should have known better. (earlier)

Jack remembers having left in a hurry. (earlier)

He admits to being preoccupied. (same time)

He was told to lock the door. (same time)

He plans to double-check the door before leaving. (later)