Home of English Grammar

Grammar Guide
  • Home
  • Exercises
  • Matches
  • Rules
  • Tools
    • Grammar Checker
    • Very Replacer
    • Word Counter
  • Top Social Media Posts
  • Vocabulary
  • Writing Guides
  • Contact
You are here: Home / Exercises / Gerund vs. Present Participle

Gerund vs. Present Participle

November 13, 2022 - pdf

State whether the ing form in the following sentences is a gerund or present participle.

Progress 0 of 12 answered
1. I heard someone knocking on the door.
Wrong!
Here knocking is the object of the verb heard. An ing form used as the object is a gerund.
2. We saw them resting under a tree.
Wrong!
3. I heard the sound coming from a distance.
Wrong!
4. Trespassing is forbidden.
Wrong!
Here the ing form is the subject. An ing form used as the subject is a gerund.
5. Hiking is a laborious task.
Wrong!
6. The rushing boy knocked down the apple cart.
Wrong!
Here the ing form modifies the noun boy. Hence, it is a present participle.
7. She enjoys being looked at.
Wrong!
8. There was only a single shining star in the sky.
Wrong!
9. We went out in the pouring rain.
Wrong!
10. Climbing mountains is a good sport.
Wrong!
11. I don’t mind waiting.
Wrong!
12. She accused me of stealing her flowers.
Wrong!
Here the ing form is the object of the preposition of. Hence, it is a gerund.
Done.
Score: 0/12

Answers

  1. I heard someone knocking on the door. (gerund)
  2. We saw them resting under a tree. (present participle)
  3. I heard the sound coming from a distance. (present participle)
  4. Trespassing is forbidden. (gerund)
  5. Hiking is a laborious task. (gerund)
  6. The rushing boy knocked down the apple cart. (present participle)
  7. She enjoys being looked at. (gerund)
  8. There was only a single shining star in the sky. (present participle)
  9. We went out in the pouring rain. (present participle)
  10. Climbing mountains is a good sport. (gerund)
  11. I don’t mind waiting. (gerund)
  12. She accused me of stealing her flowers. (gerund)
  • Share
  • Post
  • Post
  • Email
NEW: Try Matches, our daily vocabulary challenge. Pick a topic and level and match words with definitions to boost your vocabulary.
2,485,429 
741,874 
Improve Your Grammar
  • Download 2026 Grammar Guide (PDF)
  • Free Weekly Exercises & Vocabulary
  • Join over 3 Million English Learners
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.

Grammar Checker

GrammarCheck.net - Try online
Hint → Bookmark GrammarCheck for future use.

Latest Posts

  • 100 Words to Use Instead of “Small” February 20, 2026
  • 100 Words Related to Cars & Transportation February 20, 2026
  • 100 Other Words for “Fast” February 20, 2026
  • 100 Other Words for “Famous” February 19, 2026
  • 100 Words Related to Trains February 19, 2026
  • 100 Words to Use Instead of “Big” February 19, 2026
  • Tricky English Adjectives Exercise February 19, 2026

Copyright © 2026 · EnglishGrammar.org
Disclaimer · Privacy Policy · Sitemap

Improve Your Grammar
  • Download 2026 Grammar Guide (PDF)
  • Free Weekly Exercises & Vocabulary
  • Join over 3 Million English Learners
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.