Question

How can I use a gerund as an indirect object?

Answer 1

Running, in "Charles gave running the marathon his best shot"

Explanation:

First, we should clarify a couple of definitions:

• Gerund: a noun made from a verb, in the form "-ing"
• Indirect object: the recipient of the direct object

An example of a verb that often takes an indirect object is "to give".

For example, in the sentence "Stacy gave the dog a bone," bone is the direct object and dog is the indirect object, since the dog is receiving the direct object, the bone.

Instead of using a common noun like "dog" as the indirect object, we can use a gerund, which functions as a noun.

Example: "Charles gave running the marathon his best shot."

Here, "his best shot" is the direct object, so "running" is the indirect object and a gerund.