Here's a breakdown:
Gerund: A verb form ending in "-ing" that acts as a noun. For example: *running*, *singing*, *writing*.
Gerundial Phrase: A group of words beginning with a gerund, acting as a noun. This phrase can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.
Example:
* Subject: Playing the piano is her favorite hobby. (The phrase "playing the piano" acts as the subject of the sentence.)
* Object: She enjoys reading mystery novels. (The phrase "reading mystery novels" acts as the object of the verb "enjoys".)
* Complement: Her biggest accomplishment was climbing Mount Everest. (The phrase "climbing Mount Everest" acts as the complement of the verb "was".)
Key features of a gerundial phrase:
* Always begins with a gerund.
* Acts as a noun in the sentence.
* Often includes modifiers (adjectives, adverbs, etc.) to describe the gerund.
Examples of gerundial phrases:
* Writing a novel can be a challenging but rewarding process.
* Going for a walk is a good way to exercise.
* Learning a new language can open up new opportunities.
Note: Gerundial phrases are different from participial phrases, which also use "-ing" verbs but function as adjectives or adverbs.