A gerund is an -ing verb form that functions as a noun. It can serve as a subject, direct object, predicate nominative, or object of a preposition. In diagrams, it sits on a distinctive step symbol â two horizontal lines connected by a short vertical on the left.
The Gerund Step
âDiagramming is a symbolic way of showing grammatical relationships.â
Step 90 â gerund 'Diagramming' as subject
Diagramming is the subject (gerund on its step), is the linking verb, and way the predicate nominative.
Gerund as Object of a Preposition
âEveryone teases him about his snoring during favorite TV programs.â
Step 92 â gerund 'snoring' as object of preposition 'about'
Gerund as Objective Complement
âHe doesn't consider that lying.â
Step 94 â gerund 'lying' as objective complement