A gerund verb phrase is a grammatical construction that includes a gerund—a verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun—along with other words that modify or complement it.

Components of a Gerund Verb Phrase

Gerund: The base form of the verb plus -ing (e.g., “running,” “swimming,” “reading”).

Modifiers: Words that describe or qualify the gerund, such as adjectives or adverbs (e.g., “quickly running,” “eagerly reading”).

Objects: Nouns or pronouns that receive the action of the gerund (e.g., “reading books,” “swimming laps”).

Additional Complements: Prepositional phrases or clauses that provide more detail about the action of the gerund (e.g., “reading in the park,” “swimming during the summer”).

Examples of Gerund Verb Phrases

“Running every morning”:

Gerund: Running

Modifier: every

Additional Information: morning

“Swimming in the lake”:

Gerund: Swimming

Prepositional Phrase: in the lake

“Writing a novel about space exploration”:

Gerund: Writing

Object: a novel

Prepositional Phrase: about space exploration

Functions of a Gerund Verb Phrase

Subject: “Swimming in the lake is my favorite activity.” Here, “Swimming in the lake” is the subject of the sentence.

Object: “She enjoys reading novels.” In this case, “reading novels” is the object of the verb “enjoys.”

Complement: “His hobby is painting landscapes.” Here, “painting landscapes” complements the subject “His hobby.”

In summary, a gerund verb phrase is a group of words centered around a gerund that functions as a noun, including any modifiers, objects, or complements that provide additional detail. It plays various roles in sentences, including serving as subjects, objects, or complements.