Understanding Gerunds and Present Participles

What is a gerund?

• A verb form used to express past actions

• A verb form ending in -ing used as a noun

• A verb form ending in -ed used as an adjective

• A verb form used to express future actions

In the sentence 'Reading will improve your vocabulary,' what role does 'Reading' play?

• Predicate nominative

• Direct object

• Subject

• Object of a preposition

Which of the following sentences contains a gerund used as a direct object?

• The highlight is watching.

• After studying, I relax.

• They enjoy sailing.

• Swimming is fun.

How does a present participle differ from a gerund?

• A present participle is used as an adjective or part of a verb phrase.

• A present participle is used as a noun.

• A present participle is used as a subject.

• A present participle ends in -ed.

In the sentence 'I have been reading about dinosaurs,' what is the role of 'reading'?

• Gerund as a subject

• Gerund as a direct object

• Part of a verb phrase

• Adjective modifying a noun

Identify the role of 'giggling' in the sentence: 'Their giggling annoyed the cashier.'

• Present participle as part of a verb phrase

• Gerund as a direct object

• Present participle as an adjective

• Gerund as a subject

In the sentence 'Her refusal to see a doctor is irritating,' what is the role of 'irritating'?

• Present participle as part of a verb phrase

• Gerund as a subject

• Present participle as an adjective

• Gerund as a direct object

In the sentence 'Samantha gave acting a try,' what is the role of 'acting'?

• Present participle as part of a verb phrase

• Gerund as a subject

• Present participle as an adjective

• Gerund as an indirect object

In the sentence 'The ballerina is spinning gracefully,' what is the role of 'spinning'?

• Gerund as a direct object

• Present participle as part of a verb phrase

• Present participle as an adjective

• Gerund as a subject

In the sentence 'Dan has always loved dancing,' what is the role of 'dancing'?

• Gerund as a subject

• Present participle as an adjective

• Gerund as a direct object

• Present participle as part of a verb phrase