Gerunds as Subjects and Subject Complements

Definition and Functional Roles of Gerunds

In Section $5.3$, a gerund is defined as a specific verb form ending in $-ing$ that functions as a noun within a sentence. Due to its status as a noun, a gerund is versatile and can occupy several different grammatical positions. These include serving as a subject, a subject complement, an object of a verb, an object of a preposition, or an appositive. For instance, in the sentence "Running is his main form of exercise," the gerund "Running" acts as the subject. Conversely, in the sentence "Currently, my favorite pastime is dancing," the gerund "dancing" serves as a subject complement, providing more information about the subject "pastime."

The Composition and Mechanics of Gerund Phrases

A gerund does not always stand alone; it may be accompanied by other words to form a gerund phrase. A gerund phrase is composed of the gerund itself plus any objects, complements, or modifiers, such as adverbs or adverbial phrases. Regardless of its internal complexity, the entire gerund phrase functions collectively as a single noun. Consider the example "Reading mysteries is Mom's favorite form of recreation." In this case, "Reading mysteries" is the gerund phrase acting as the subject. Within that phrase, "Reading" is the gerund and "mysteries" functions as the object of that gerund.

Similarly, in the sentence "Andrea's favorite pastime is writing poetry about nature," the phrase "writing poetry about nature" is a gerund phrase acting as a subject complement. In this specific construction, the transcript notes that the phrase "poetry about nature" acts as an adverbial phrase that describes the gerund "writing." These components illustrate how gerunds maintain their verbal properties—taking objects and being modified by adverbs—while simultaneously fulfilling a noun's role in the larger sentence structure.

Identification and Classification Exercises

To master the distinction between gerunds used as subjects versus those used as subject complements, it is helpful to analyze specific sentence examples. In the following list, gerund phrases are identified and categorized based on their grammatical function within the sentence:

In sentence $1$, "One of my least favorite chores is cutting the lawn," the phrase "cutting the lawn" is a subject complement because it follows the linking verb "is" and renames the subject "chores."

In sentence $2$, "Getting help with the task is my top priority," the phrase "Getting help with the task" is the subject of the sentence.

In sentence $3$, "One option is switching chores with my sister," the phrase "switching chores with my sister" functions as a subject complement.

In sentence $4$, "Babysitting my little brother usually isn't much fun either," the phrase "Babysitting my little brother" serves as the subject.

In sentence $5$, "Playing a game or a sport with him does make the task easier," the phrase "Playing a game or a sport with him" is the subject.

In sentence $6$, "Relaxing with him for even a minute isn't possible," the phrase "Relaxing with him for even a minute" is the subject.

In sentence $7$, "His idea of fun is getting into a mess of one sort or another," the phrase "getting into a mess of one sort or another" acts as a subject complement.

In sentence $8$, "Chasing him around can be entertaining," the phrase "Chasing him around" is the subject.

In sentence $9$, "Cleaning up after him is just plain work," the phrase "Cleaning up after him" is the subject.

In sentence $10$, "Afterward, my favorite way to relax is reading novels," the phrase "reading novels" functions as a subject complement.