1. Gerund Phrase: becoming known as the comeback kid of Olympic swimming. Function: P N (predicate nominative)
2. Gerund Phrase: having her children learn to swim at an early age. Function: O P (object of a preposition)
3. Gerund Phrase: winning junior championships. Function: D O (direct object)
4. Gerund Phrase: winning 11 N.C.A.A. championships. Function: O P (object of a preposition)
5. Gerund Phrase: Competing in the 1984 Olympics. Function: S (subject)
6. Gerund Phrase: failing to qualify for the 1988 Olympics. Function: S (subject)
7. Gerund Phrase: earning a law degree. Function: P N (predicate nominative)
8. Gerund Phrase: giving competitive swimming another chance. Function: I O (indirect object)
9. Gerund Phrase: Having only seven months to prepare. Function: S (subject)
10. Gerund Phrase: winning a gold medal in the 100-meter butterfly. Function: O P (object of a preposition)
What is a gerund phrase?
A gerund phrase is a phrase that includes a gerund, which is a verb form that ends in "-ing" and functions as a noun. Gerund phrases can be more than just the gerund itself; they often include modifiers and objects. For example:
1. Swimming in the pool
- The gerund phrase is "Swimming in the pool."
- Function: Subject of the sentence.
2. I enjoy reading mystery novels before bedtime.
- The gerund phrase is "reading mystery novels."
- Function: Direct object of the verb "enjoy."
3. She is interested in pursuing a career in medicine.
- The gerund phrase is "pursuing a career in medicine."
- Function: Object of the preposition "in."
4. His favorite activity is hiking in the mountains.
- The gerund phrase is "hiking in the mountains."
- Function: Predicate nominative, renaming the subject "activity."
In each of these examples, the gerund phrase acts as a noun, taking on various roles within the sentence, such as the subject, object, or complement.