8.2: Gerunds Introduced

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Aug 11, 2024
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- 8.1: Introduction to-Gerunds and Infinitives- Reading
- 8.2.1: Gerunds-Form and Usage

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A Noun Phrase vs. A Gerund Clause

NOUN PHRASE & PREDICATE
An activity may be expressed with a noun phrase and a predicate (verb). In traditional grammar, it was said that a noun "acts as" the subject. However, current linguistic description separates what a word does from what it is called. In fact, a wide variety of structures (nouns, gerunds, infinitives and clauses) can function as the subject within a clause. See Function v. Category.
SUBJECT (NOUN PHRASE)	PREDICATE + COMPLEMENT
Computers noun	save a lot of time
Online study noun phrase	is very convenient.
The online practices noun phrase	help students without books. (PP)
The computer in my room noun phrase	allows me to study from home.

GERUND
An activity may also be expressed with a gerund or a gerund nonfinite clause (newer description). This word or structure can function as the subject, verbal complement ("object") or modifier in the matrix "main" clause. See Gerundial Nonfinite Clause and A Clause: Phrase, Nonfinite & Finite for Word Categories. See Subject, Predicate, Complement for Functions.
SUBJECT (GERUND CLAUSE)	PREDICATE + COMPLEMENT
Computing gerund	saves a lot of time.
Studying online gerund nonfinite clause	is very convenient.
Using online practices gerund nonfinite clause	helps students who don't have books.
Working from home gerund nonfinite clause	allows a person to work in comfort.

complement (N) – in grammar, a word, phrase of clause required to complete another element in the clause, for example, the verb "hung" requires a location. He hung UP his coat. He hung his coat on the hook. The prepositional phrase complements "completes" the verb, See Complements.

See Grammar Notes (section below) for Lexical Categories "Parts of Speech" (V, NP, AdjP) and Grammatical Functions (Subj, Pred, Comp).

Also see Noun vs. Gerund. The landing of the airplane (NP) vs. Landing an airplane. (GER)

Also see A Verb vs. A Verb Phrase vs. The Predicate

Also see Verbs: Two Basic Categories — Primary v. Secondary

Gerund Clause Agreement

Express one or more activities

Gerund Clause Agreement with Predicate

SINGULAR
A gerund clause is usually singular in agreement with the verb. Two clauses coordinated with or or nor are also singular in agreement.
Reading books is important for learning vocabulary. Texting while driving is dangerous.
Texing or holding a phone is allowed when parked. Neither texting nor holding a phone is allowed while driving.

SINGULAR

A gerund clause is usually singular in agreement with the verb. Two clauses coordinated with or or nor are also singular in agreement.

Reading books is important for learning vocabulary.

Texting while driving is dangerous.

Texing or holding a phone is allowed when parked.

Neither texting nor holding a phone is allowed while driving.

PLURAL
Two gerund clauses coordinated with and are plural in agreement.
Reading and listening to the television are two ways to improve your vocabulary.
Emailing and texting are illegal activities for drivers behind the wheel.

Practice 1

Buying and Selling Online

for sale

Read Context

Ebay — Buying, Selling and Trading

Ebay is the Internet version of the "flea market". People can list items they would like to sell and find items they'd like to buy. The eBay site allows users to search for item descriptions. Sellers can post their items, change the item category, showcase the item and view bids on the item.

Purchasers can verify the authenticity of an item, purchase insurance, put the item in escrow and even get help with disputes when there is a disagreement. Buying, selling and trading are very efficiently done via the Web.

authenticity (N) — the quality of being real or true

bid (N) – an offer to pay a particular price for something

category (N) — a group of things that are all the same type or kind

dispute (N) — a serious argument or disagreement

escrow (N) a service that holds the money while the agreement is being made

flea market (N) — an open air market to which people bring old things to sell

insurance (N) — a policy that returns money to a person if there is accidental loss

list (V) — post items for sale on the Internet; put something on an official list

purchaser (N) — buyer

resolve (V) — to find a satisfactory way of dealing with a problem or difficulty

showcase (V) – a place (or page) that shows the good qualities of something

trade (N) — exchange something of equal value

verify authenticity (v) – make sure it truly is what the seller says it is

version (N) — a copy of something that has been changed so that it is slightly different

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Gerund Clause Agreement with Predicate

Read Context

A Noun Phrase vs. A Gerund Clause

Gerund Clause Agreement

Express one or more activities

Gerund Clause Agreement with Predicate

Practice 1

Buying and Selling Online

Read Context

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