Gerund Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: L.8.1.a

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

We use gerunds on a regular basis probably not even knowing that we are. They are a very common part of speech and are often confused with the present participle, probably because they look a lot a alike. Gerund have the same properties as a noun, although they will be presented in a form that makes them look like a verb. They can be used as the subject of sentences, but more often you will find them used as a complement to the verb "to be". These worksheets will be show students how to use gerunds properly.

Gerund Worksheets:

Locate Him! – A gerund is the -ing form of a verb that is used as a noun. The gerund is formed by adding the suffix "-ing" to a verb.

Add It Up! – Complete each sentence by adding a gerund.

Mixed Review – Review all of the skills you have so far.

Common Verbs Followed by Gerunds – Complete each sentence by following up the verb.

Go, Go, Go! – Finish off each sentence with proper placement.

Prepositions – Complete the sentences below with a preposition and a gerund. Use the clues in parentheses.

Gerunds Used as Subjects – Use the gerund form of one of the verbs below to complete each sentence.

At The End – Complete each sentence by adding a gerund.

The Common Stuff – Use it as a subject, object of prepositions, verb trailing, and go.

Subject and Object – Gerunds that come after the main verb in a sentence are used as direct objects. Gerunds that come before the main verb are used as subjects.

Object or Subject? – Take your choice in this worksheet pack.

The Phrase – A gerund phrase consists of the gerund, which always ends in -ing, and any modifiers and/or complements. A gerund phrase always functions in a sentence as a noun.

The Phrase That Pays – More sentence writing for you to handle.

What Is Missing? – Complete each sentence by adding a gerund phrase.

Object/Subject – How is it being used?

What Are Gerunds?


A gerund is an important part of speech that we use in our daily language. A gerund is simply a word that does the work of a noun and a verb. It is usually a verb that ends with "ing" and performs the function of an object or noun. It can also act as the subject of the sentence. Sometimes it is also the object of preposition or verb. When the gerund has different modifiers and complements to combine and act as a noun, it becomes a gerund phrase.


Gerunds As Subjects


Most commonly, the gerunds are used as subjects of the sentence. They talk about activities, opinions, or behaviors. A gerund is always used in a singular form. When it is being used as the subject of the sentence, the verb takes the singular form of the third person. For example,
Swimming is good for your health.

In this example, swimming is a gerund. It is functioning as the subject of the sentence. The verb that follows the gerund "is" becomes the third person singular form.


Gerunds As Objects


Sometimes the gerund also becomes the object of the verb. For example,

He enjoys swimming every day.

In this example, swimming is the gerund. It also functions as the object. It also contains a gerund phrase which is "swimming every day".

Gerunds are not only used as the object of verbs, but they are also used as the object of a preposition. Some prepositions that are used with gerunds are to, before, after, about, etc. For example,

She is happy about being off work on Thursday.

Here being is the gerund. It is acting as the object of the preposition "about".