Say whether the ing form used in the following sentences is a gerund or a present participle.
1. Writing is his passion.
When an ing form is used like a noun, it is a gerund. When it is used like a verb, adjective or adverb, it is a participle.
2. Not knowing what to do I went home.
When an ing form is used like a noun, it is a gerund. When it is used like a verb, adjective or adverb, it is a participle.
3. Knocking loudly on the door, he demanded admission.
When an ing form is used like a noun, it is a gerund. When it is used like a verb, adjective or adverb, it is a participle.
4. She ran out of the room crying.
When an ing form is used like a noun, it is a gerund. When it is used like a verb, adjective or adverb, it is a participle.
5. Smoking is bad for you.
When an ing form is used like a noun, it is a gerund. When it is used like a verb, adjective or adverb, it is a participle.
6. When I found her she was weeping.
When an ing form is used like a noun, it is a gerund. When it is used like a verb, adjective or adverb, it is a participle.
7. Climbing hills is a hobby of his.
8. Who is the girl sitting next to your mother?
9. They have finished fixing the roof.
10. I have stopped talking to him.
11. The dentist suggested changing the toothbrush.
An ing form used as the object of a verb is a gerund.
12. She insisted on coming with me.
An ing form used as the object of a preposition is a gerund.
Answers
1. Writing is his passion. (Gerund)
2. Not knowing what to do, I went home.
3. Knocking loudly on the door, he demanded admission. (Participle)
4. She ran out of the room crying. (Participle)
5. Smoking is bad for you. (Gerund)
6. When I found her she was weeping. (Participle)
7. Climbing hills is a hobby of his. (Gerund)
8. Who is the girl sitting next to your mother? (Participle)
9. They have finished fixing the roof. (Gerund)
10. I have stopped talking to him. (Gerund)
11. The dentist suggested changing the toothbrush. (Gerund)
12. She insisted on coming with me. (Gerund)
