I need to identify the gerund or gerund phrase and identify it as a subject, a predicate noun, a direct object, or an object of a preposition. Or identify the sentence as one with no gerund. I need help with the following sentences.
1. It was time for sleeping.
2. But tossing in bed was all that 14-year old Jenny could do.
3. Why won't that dog stop barking, she thought?
4. Soon she was poring over a story by Edgar Allen Poe.
Thanks for your help in advance.
Sandi (8th grader)
1. "Sleeping" is the gerund, object of the preposition "for."
2. "Tossing" is the gerund, subject.
What do you think are the answers to 3 and 4?
I’m not sure. I need help on this.
All great anwsers.
Why won't that dog stop barking, she thought?
Sure, Sandi! I'd be happy to help you with the sentences. Here's how you can identify the gerund or gerund phrase and determine its function in each sentence:
1. "It was time for sleeping."
- Gerund/gerund phrase: "sleeping"
- Function: In this sentence, the gerund "sleeping" functions as a predicate noun, renaming or identifying the subject "it."
2. "But tossing in bed was all that 14-year old Jenny could do."
- Gerund/gerund phrase: "tossing in bed"
- Function: In this sentence, the gerund phrase "tossing in bed" functions as the subject of the sentence. It is what "Jenny" could do.
3. "Why won't that dog stop barking, she thought?"
- Sentence without a gerund: This sentence does not contain a gerund.
4. "Soon she was poring over a story by Edgar Allen Poe."
- Gerund/gerund phrase: "poring over a story"
- Function: In this sentence, the gerund phrase "poring over a story" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying the verb "was." It describes the action of "she" and tells us how she was involved.
Remember, gerunds are verb forms that function as nouns, and gerund phrases consist of a gerund accompanied by any modifiers or complements. To identify gerunds, look for the "-ing" form of a verb that is functioning as a noun in the sentence.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any more questions.