State whether the –ing words in the following sentences have been used as nouns, verbs or adjectives.
1. The children were reading quietly in the class. Reading is a .................................
2. He is learning a new language. Learning is a/an .....................................
3. It is an interesting movie. Interesting is a/an .......................................
4. He was building a cottage for himself. Building is a/an .........................................
5. The children started fighting. Fighting is a/an .........................................
6. They are struggling to survive. Struggling is a/an .......................................
7. I love painting. Painting is a/an ............................................
8. All living things will die. Living is a/an ....................................
9. A peacock was sitting on a coconut tree. Sitting is a/an ..........................................
10. My brother is extremely caring. Caring is a/an ....................................
Answers
1. The children were reading quietly in the class. (reading – verb)
2. He is learning a new language. (learning – verb)
3. It is an interesting movie. (interesting – adjective; modifies the noun movie)
4. He was building a cottage for himself. (building – verb)
5. The children started fighting. (fighting – noun; object of the verb started)
6. They are struggling to survive. (struggling – verb)
7. I love painting. (painting – noun; object of the verb love)
8. All living things will die. (living – adjective; modifies the noun things)
9. A peacock was sitting on a coconut tree. (sitting – verb; it helps form the past continuous tense form)
10. My brother is extremely caring. (caring – adjective; subject complement)
