Question

1) Identify the gerund in the sentence below and tell how it functions in the sentence.

My cat’s favorite activity is jumping on the table during dinner.

2) Identify the gerunds in the sentences below. Tell whether each gerund functions as a subject or a direct object.

Vacationing might fulfill your need for relaxation.

She dislikes my complaining.

Answer 1

1) In the sentence "My cat’s favorite activity is jumping on the table during dinner," the gerund is **"jumping."** It functions as a **subject complement**, specifically describing what the favorite activity is.

2) In the sentences you provided:
- In "Vacationing might fulfill your need for relaxation," the gerund is **"Vacationing,"** and it functions as the **subject** of the sentence.
- In "She dislikes my complaining," the gerund is **"complaining,"** and it functions as a **direct object** of the verb "dislikes."

Answer 2

can you simplify that please?

Answer 3

Sure! Here’s a simpler explanation:

1) In the sentence "My cat’s favorite activity is jumping on the table during dinner," the gerund is **"jumping."** It tells us what the favorite activity is (so it describes the activity).

2) In the sentences:
- "Vacationing might fulfill your need for relaxation": The gerund is **"Vacationing,"** and it acts as the **subject** of the sentence (it's what the sentence is about).
- "She dislikes my complaining": The gerund is **"complaining,"** and it acts as the **direct object** (it's what she dislikes).