These questions and explanations should provide a clear understanding of how to identify and use gerund and participle in various contexts.
Question 1
Identify the gerund in the following sentence: “Running is good for your health.”
A) is B) good C) for D) Running
Answer: D) Running
Explanation: A gerund is a verb form that ends in -ing and functions as a noun in the sentence. “Running” is the subject of the sentence and is acting as a noun, thus it is a gerund.
Question 2
In the sentence “The crying baby was finally asleep,” what is “crying”?
A) Gerund B) Participle C) Infinitive D) Verb
Answer: B) Participle
Explanation: “Crying” is used as an adjective to describe the baby. A participle is a verb form used as an adjective, and in this case, “crying” modifies “baby.”
Question 3
Which of the following sentences uses a gerund as an object?
A) She enjoys swimming. B) Swimming quickly, he won the race. C) They were swimming in the lake. D) Swimming is a good exercise.
Answer: A) She enjoys swimming.
Explanation: A gerund can serve as the direct object of a verb. In this sentence, “swimming” is the object of the verb “enjoys.”
Question 4
What is the function of the participle in this sentence? “Burning brightly, the sun warmed the earth.”
A) To act as a noun B) To describe the sun C) To show action D) To introduce a clause
Answer: B) To describe the sun
Explanation: The participle “Burning” is used as an adjective to describe “the sun,” telling us more about its condition or state.
Question 5
Find the sentence that correctly uses a gerund.
A) They were talking about going to the new museum. B) Jumping over the fence, the deer escaped. C) I have a walking stick for hiking. D) She is interested in to learn dancing.
Answer: A) They were talking about going to the new museum.
Explanation: “Going” is a gerund used as the object of the preposition “about.” It functions as a noun in the sentence.
Question 6
Which sentence contains a present participle?
A) She has a charming personality. B) He finished reading the novel. C) Walking to the store, I saw an old friend. D) I enjoy cooking for my family.
Answer: C) Walking to the store, I saw an old friend.
Explanation: “Walking” is a present participle used to describe the action of the subject “I” concurrently with seeing an old friend.
Question 7
Identify the use of the gerund in this sentence: “Writing regularly improves your skills.”
A) Object of a preposition B) Subject C) Direct object D) Predicate nominative
Answer: B) Subject
Explanation: The gerund “Writing” acts as the subject of the sentence, performing the action of the verb “improves.”
Question 8
In the sentence “Known for his wisdom, the king was greatly respected,” what is “Known”?
A) Gerund B) Participle C) Simple verb D) Adverb
Answer: B) Participle
Explanation: “Known” is a past participle used to describe “the king.” It acts as an adjective.
Question 9
Which sentence correctly uses a gerund phrase?
A) He is interested in learning Italian. B) Quickly running, she made it on time. C) The barking dog kept me awake. D) She was talking about moving to Canada.
Answer: A) He is interested in learning Italian.
Explanation: “Learning Italian” is a gerund phrase functioning as the object of the preposition “in.” It consists of the gerund “learning” and its object “Italian.”
Question 10
What is the role of the gerund in this sentence? “Her favorite hobby is reading novels.”
A) Direct object B) Subject C) Complement D) Object of a preposition
Answer: C) Complement
Explanation: The gerund “reading novels” acts as a subject complement, identifying or describing the subject “Her favorite hobby.”
Question 11
Which sentence contains a past participle?
A) She was singing beautifully. B) The broken vase lay on the floor. C) Swimming in the pool, they enjoyed the warm weather. D) Cooking dinner, she listened to music.
Answer: B) The broken vase lay on the floor.
Explanation: “Broken” is a past participle used as an adjective to describe “vase.”
Question 12
Identify the participle phrase in the following sentence: “The dog, chasing its tail, looked adorable.”
A) chasing its tail B) The dog C) looked adorable D) The dog, chasing
Answer: A) chasing its tail
Explanation: “Chasing its tail” is a participle phrase modifying the noun “dog.” It describes the action the dog is performing.
Question 13
What is the function of the gerund in this sentence? “Eating healthy foods is essential for good health.”
A) Direct object B) Subject C) Adverb D) Predicate nominative
Answer: B) Subject
Explanation: The gerund “Eating” serves as the subject of the sentence, performing the action of the verb “is.”
Question 14
Which sentence correctly uses a participle?
A) Smelling the flowers, the bee flew away. B) She enjoys to paint landscapes. C) We need talking about the upcoming project. D) They were dancing in the rain.
Answer: A) Smelling the flowers, the bee flew away.
Explanation: “Smelling” is a present participle used to describe the action of the subject “the bee” as it flies away.
Question 15
What is the role of the gerund in this sentence? “I appreciate your helping me with the project.”
A) Object of a preposition B) Subject C) Direct object D) Predicate nominative
Answer: C) Direct object
Explanation: The gerund phrase “helping me with the project” serves as the direct object of the verb “appreciate.”
Question 16
Which sentence contains a gerund phrase?
A) She loves reading books. B) Running quickly, he won the race. C) The barking dog startled the neighbors. D) He is interested in to learn new languages.
Answer: A) She loves reading books.
Explanation: “Reading books” is a gerund phrase acting as the direct object of the verb “loves.”
Question 17
Identify the participle in the following sentence: “Lost in thought, she didn’t hear the doorbell.”
A) Lost B) In thought C) She D) Doorbell
Answer: A) Lost
Explanation: “Lost” is a present participle used to describe the subject “she.” It indicates her state of being absorbed in thought.
Question 18
What is the function of the gerund in this sentence? “He apologized for interrupting the meeting.”
A) Subject B) Direct object C) Object of a preposition D) Adjective
Answer: C) Object of a preposition
Explanation: The gerund “interrupting” serves as the object of the preposition “for.”
Question 19
Which sentence contains a past participle?
A) The painted house looked beautiful. B) Walking in the park, she spotted a rare bird. C) The child’s laughter echoed through the room. D) He is reading an interesting book.
Answer: A) The painted house looked beautiful.
Explanation: “Painted” is a past participle used as an adjective to describe “house.”
Question 20
Identify the gerund in the following sentence: “Playing basketball is his favorite hobby.”
A) is B) favorite C) basketball D) Playing
Answer: D) Playing
Explanation: “Playing” is the subject of the sentence and is acting as a noun, thus it is a gerund.
Question 21
Which sentence features a gerund used as a predicate nominative?
A) She avoided swimming due to the cold. B) His passion is running marathons. C) Walking quickly helps you stay fit. D) Laughing loudly, he dropped his phone.
Answer: B) His passion is running marathons.
Explanation: “Running marathons” is a gerund phrase that renames the subject “His passion” and is linked to it by the verb “is,” making it a predicate nominative.
Question 22
Identify the sentence that correctly uses a present participle.
A) The locked door wouldn’t open. B) Tasting the soup, she added more salt. C) She was interested in learning new things. D) Having finished dinner, we watched a movie.
Answer: B) Tasting the soup, she added more salt.
Explanation: “Tasting” is a present participle that describes the action of the subject “she” concurrently with adding more salt.
Question 23
What is the function of the gerund in this sentence? “My hobby is collecting stamps.”
A) Subject B) Direct object C) Object of a preposition D) Predicate nominative
Answer: D) Predicate nominative
Explanation: The gerund “collecting stamps” acts as a subject complement or predicate nominative, identifying the subject “My hobby.”
Question 24
Which sentence incorrectly uses a gerund or participle?
A) We enjoyed swimming in the lake. B) Being tired, he went to bed early. C) She is interesting in visiting Japan. D) Finding a good book can be difficult.
Answer: C) She is interesting in visiting Japan.
Explanation: The correct form should be “interested in visiting Japan.” “Interesting” is mistakenly used instead of the gerund or participle form “interested,” which is the correct adjective to show her state of being.
Question 25
Identify the participle in the following sentence: “The instructions given were hard to follow.”
A) Instructions B) Given C) Hard D) Follow
Answer: B) Given
Explanation: “Given” is a past participle used to describe “the instructions.” It acts as an adjective.
Question 26
What is the role of the gerund in this sentence? “Arguing over small things is pointless.”
A) Direct object B) Subject C) Object of a preposition D) Complement
Answer: B) Subject
Explanation: The gerund “Arguing” serves as the subject of the sentence, indicating the action that is described as “pointless.”
Question 27
Which sentence contains a gerund phrase acting as an object of a preposition?
A) She is looking forward to traveling next month. B) Running marathons requires intense training. C) Having seen the movie, she wanted to read the book. D) The shining sun brightens the room.
Answer: A) She is looking forward to traveling next month.
Explanation: “Traveling next month” is a gerund phrase that acts as the object of the preposition “to.”
Question 28
Identify the sentence that correctly uses a past participle.
A) The winning athlete received a medal. B) We were eating when the power went out. C) The spoken words cannot be taken back. D) She is hoping to join the club.
Answer: C) The spoken words cannot be taken back.
Explanation: “Spoken” is a past participle used as an adjective to describe “words.”
Question 29
What is the function of the gerund in this sentence? “Do you like reading before bed?”
A) Subject B) Direct object C) Object of a preposition D) Predicate nominative
Answer: B) Direct object
Explanation: The gerund “reading” serves as the direct object of the verb “like,” indicating what the subject enjoys doing.
Question 30
Which sentence features a gerund phrase used as a subject complement?
A) Her favorite activity is painting landscapes. B) They were annoyed by hearing the loud noise. C) I can’t stand being stuck in traffic. D) Walking to work is how I start my day.
Answer: A) Her favorite activity is painting landscapes.
Explanation: “Painting landscapes” is a gerund phrase that acts as a subject complement, describing “Her favorite activity.”
Question 31
Identify the gerund in the following sentence: “His passion for playing the guitar is evident.”
A) passion B) playing C) guitar D) evident
Answer: B) playing
Explanation: “Playing” is the gerund in this sentence, functioning as the object of the preposition “for” and indicating the action that his passion involves.
Question 32
Which sentence correctly uses a present participle?
A) The opened door led to a beautiful garden. B) Singing loudly, the audience clapped enthusiastically. C) They had talked about going to the beach. D) She will finish cooking dinner soon.
Answer: B) Singing loudly, the audience clapped enthusiastically.
Explanation: “Singing” is a present participle used to describe the action of the subject “the audience” as they clap enthusiastically.
Question 33
What is the function of the gerund in this sentence? “Learning new languages broadens your horizons.”
A) Subject B) Direct object C) Object of a preposition D) Predicate nominative
Answer: A) Subject
Explanation: The gerund “Learning” serves as the subject of the sentence, indicating the action being performed.
Question 34
Which sentence incorrectly uses a gerund or participle?
A) The running man won the race. B) Swimming in the pool is my favorite activity. C) He is excited about to start his new job. D) Having finished his homework, he went to bed.
Answer: C) He is excited about to start his new job.
Explanation: The correct form should be “excited about starting his new job.” “To start” is used incorrectly here instead of the gerund form “starting.”
Question 35
Identify the participle in the following sentence: “The broken window needed to be replaced.”
A) broken B) window C) needed D) replaced
Answer: A) broken
Explanation: “Broken” is a past participle used to describe “the window.”
Question 36
What is the role of the gerund in this sentence? “Writing a novel requires dedication and patience.”
A) Direct object B) Subject C) Object of a preposition D) Predicate nominative
Answer: B) Subject
Explanation: The gerund “Writing” serves as the subject of the sentence, indicating the action that requires dedication and patience.
Question 37
Which sentence contains a gerund phrase acting as an object of a preposition?
A) She is known for her excellent singing. B) Running marathons is his favorite pastime. C) After finishing her work, she went for a walk. D) They were excited about seeing the concert.
Answer: A) She is known for her excellent singing.
Explanation: “For her excellent singing” is a gerund phrase acting as the object of the preposition “for.”
Question 38
Identify the sentence that correctly uses a past participle.
A) The frightened child hugged her mother tightly. B) They are planning on traveling to Europe next summer. C) The spoken words cannot be taken back. D) She has been practicing singing for weeks.
Answer: A) The frightened child hugged her mother tightly.
Explanation: “Frightened” is a past participle used to describe “the child.”
Question 39
What is the function of the gerund in this sentence? “Do you mind me asking you a question?”
A) Subject B) Direct object C) Object of a preposition D) Predicate nominative
Answer: B) Direct object
Explanation: The gerund “asking” serves as the direct object of the verb “mind,” indicating what the speaker wants to know if the listener objects to.
Question 40
Which sentence features a gerund phrase used as a subject complement?
A) Her favorite hobby is painting landscapes. B) They were annoyed by hearing the loud noise. C) I can’t stand being stuck in traffic. D) Walking to work is how I start my day.
Answer: A) Her favorite hobby is painting landscapes.
Explanation: “Painting landscapes” is a gerund phrase that acts as a subject complement, describing “Her favorite hobby.”
Question 41
Identify the gerund in the following sentence: “Cooking dinner is my favorite activity.”
A) cooking B) dinner C) my D) favorite
Answer: A) cooking
Explanation: “Cooking” is the gerund in this sentence, functioning as the subject and indicating the action that is the favorite activity.
Question 42
Which sentence correctly uses a present participle?
A) The fallen leaves covered the ground. B) Running late, she missed the bus. C) They talked about to go on vacation. D) She has finished reading the novel.
Answer: B) Running late, she missed the bus.
Explanation: “Running” is a present participle used to describe the action of the subject “she” as she misses the bus.
Question 43
What is the function of the gerund in this sentence? “Exercising regularly improves your health.”
A) Subject B) Direct object C) Object of a preposition D) Predicate nominative
Answer: A) Subject
Explanation: The gerund “Exercising” serves as the subject of the sentence, indicating the action that leads to improved health.
Question 44
Which sentence incorrectly uses a gerund or participle?
A) The sleeping baby woke up crying. B) Swimming in the ocean is refreshing. C) He is excited about to start his new job. D) Having finished his homework, he went to bed.
Answer: C) He is excited about to start his new job.
Explanation: The correct form should be “excited about starting his new job.” “To start” is used incorrectly here instead of the gerund form “starting.”
Question 45
Identify the participle in the following sentence: “The fallen tree blocked the road.”
A) fallen B) tree C) blocked D) road
Answer: A) fallen
Explanation: “Fallen” is a past participle used to describe “the tree.”
Question 46
What is the role of the gerund in this sentence? “Reading books is her favorite pastime.”
A) Direct object B) Subject C) Object of a preposition D) Predicate nominative
Answer: B) Subject
Explanation: The gerund “Reading” serves as the subject of the sentence, indicating the action that is the favorite pastime.
Question 47
Which sentence contains a gerund phrase acting as an object of a preposition?
A) She is known for her excellent singing. B) Running marathons is his favorite pastime. C) After finishing her work, she went for a walk. D) They were excited about seeing the concert.
Answer: C) After finishing her work, she went for a walk.
Explanation: “Finishing her work” is a gerund phrase acting as the object of the preposition “after.”
Question 48
Identify the sentence that correctly uses a past participle.
A) The frightened child hugged her mother tightly. B) They are planning on traveling to Europe next summer. C) The spoken words cannot be taken back. D) She has been practicing singing for weeks.
Answer: A) The frightened child hugged her mother tightly.
Explanation: “Frightened” is a past participle used to describe “the child.”
Question 49
What is the function of the gerund in this sentence? “I enjoy reading mystery novels.”
A) Subject B) Direct object C) Object of a preposition D) Predicate nominative
Answer: B) Direct object
Explanation: The gerund “reading” serves as the direct object of the verb “enjoy,” indicating what is being enjoyed.
Question 50
Which sentence features a gerund phrase used as a subject complement?
A) Her favorite hobby is painting landscapes. B) They were annoyed by hearing the loud noise. C) I can’t stand being stuck in traffic. D) Walking to work is how I start my day.
Answer: A) Her favorite hobby is painting landscapes.
Explanation: “Painting landscapes” is a gerund phrase that acts as a subject complement, describing “Her favorite hobby.”