Verbs Phrases and Gerunds

Parts of Speech 2

Verbs

Verbs show time and action.

Example

will jump-kick

jump-kicks

was jump-kicking

Action Verbs

Things that can be done.

Example

ran

punched

left

did

Verbs of Being

Existing is an action.

Helping verbs show time and existence.

Examples

I am mad.

He was sorry.

Am, is, are, was, were, will, be, being, been, has, have, had, do, did, does, may, might, must, shall, should, would, could, can

Verb Phrases

Verb phrases show time and express action.

Helping verb + action verb = verb phrase

Examples

I am studying.

They are playing class.

They will fail.

GerundsGerunds are noun forms of verbs.

Sometimes, we talk about actions as things.

Example

Reading is fun.

Eating late at night may lead to nightmares.

He hates doing homework.

Not every sentence has a gerund.

Who Cares?

Understanding this will help you...

• Better understand how sentences work

• Construct longer sentences

• Punctuate properly

Telling the Difference Between Gerunds and Verb Phrases

Ask who’s doing what in this sentence?

Ex: Writing notes is fun and exciting.

Nobody is writing notes in this sentence.

Writing notes is a thing is this sentence.

Ex: I am writing notes.

Writing notes is an action in this sentence.

Review

Verbs of being show time.Verb of being + action verb = verb phrase.I am walking. I was walking.

Gerunds are noun forms of verbs.Walking is a good time. I like walking.

Practice

1. Write down each sentence.

2. Underline the verbs.

3. Circle the gerunds.

1

Eating pizza is fun.

2

Tim might study if he’s not too busy.

3

Playing sports can be healthy.

4

Tom went home, did his chores, and slept.

5

I am not good at lying.

6

Stealing, lying, and cheating are wrong.

7

Are you going the store?

Answers

1. Eating pizza is fun.

2. Tim might study if he’s not too busy.

3. Playing sports can be healthy.

4. Tom went home, did his chores, and slept.

5. I am not good at lying.

6. Stealing, lying, and cheating are wrong.

7. Are you going to the store?