Gerunds, Participles, And Infinitives Grammar Trivia
1.
"Swimming" is a good exercise.
Answer:
Gerund
Explanation:
The given sentence "Swimming is a good exercise" uses the word "swimming" as a noun, indicating an activity or a thing. In this context, "swimming" functions as a gerund, which is a verb form that acts as a noun. It is not the present participle form of the verb, as it does not function as an adjective or describe an ongoing action. Additionally, it is not an infinitive, as it is not preceded by the word "to." Therefore, the correct answer is gerund.
2.
Economics is an "ever-expanding" field of study.
Answer:
Participle
Explanation:
The word "ever-expanding" is used to describe the field of study, which suggests that it is continuously growing and developing. This is the characteristic of a participle, which is a verb form used as an adjective to describe a noun. In this case, "ever-expanding" is describing the field of study in economics.
3.
We drove to the mall "to buy our new surround sound system."
Answer:
Infinitive
Explanation:
The phrase "to buy our new surround sound system" functions as an infinitive in this sentence. An infinitive is a verb form that is used as a noun, adjective, or adverb. In this case, the infinitive phrase serves as the purpose or reason for driving to the mall. The infinitive "to buy" introduces the action of purchasing the surround sound system.
4.
"Breaking the light barrier" is simply not possible.
Answer:
Gerund
Explanation:
In the phrase "Breaking the light barrier," "Breaking" serves as a gerund, functioning as a noun derived from the verb "break." It represents the action of breaking the light barrier. Gerunds, ending in -ing, are versatile as they can act as both verbs and nouns in a sentence.
5.
"Overwhelmed by the menu choices," I just closed my eyes and pointed with my finger.
Answer:
Participle
Explanation:
The phrase "Overwhelmed by the menu choices" is functioning as an adjective to describe the subject of the sentence. It is modifying the pronoun "I" and indicating the state or feeling of being overwhelmed. This is the function of a participle, which is a verb form that can act as an adjective. Therefore, the correct answer is participle.
6.
They have closed the cafeteria "to repair a broken steam table."
Answer:
Infinitive
Explanation:
The given sentence includes the phrase "to repair a broken steam table," which functions as an adverbial infinitive phrase. Infinitives are verb forms that are usually preceded by the word "to" and can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. In this case, the infinitive phrase explains the reason for closing the cafeteria, indicating that it was closed in order to repair a broken steam table.
7.
"Passing this quiz with a good grade" would make me happy.
Answer:
Gerund
Explanation:
The correct answer is "gerund" because "Passing" is functioning as a noun in the sentence, indicating an action or activity. In this case, it represents the action of passing the quiz. Gerunds are formed by adding -ing to a verb and can act as subjects, objects, or complements in a sentence. In this sentence, the gerund "Passing" is the subject of the sentence and is the thing that would make the speaker happy.
8.
I always enjoy "watching a meteor shower."
Answer:
Gerund
Explanation:
The given sentence "I always enjoy watching a meteor shower" contains the phrase "watching a meteor shower." This phrase functions as a noun in the sentence, as it is the object of the verb "enjoy." In this case, "watching" is a gerund, which is a verb form that functions as a noun. Gerunds are formed by adding -ing to the base form of a verb. Therefore, the correct answer is gerund.
9.
"Running is not the solution."
Answer:
Gerund
Explanation:
The phrase "Running is not the solution" functions as a noun in the sentence. It is used to refer to the action of running as a concept or idea, rather than as a specific action. This is typical of a gerund, which is a verb form that acts as a noun. In this case, the gerund "Running" is the subject of the sentence and is being used to convey the idea that running is not the solution to a problem.
10.
Swimming is a great sport.
Answer:
Gerund
Explanation:
In the sentence "Swimming is a great sport," the word "swimming" is functioning as a gerund. A gerund is a verb form ending in "-ing" that acts as a noun. In this case, "swimming" is not describing the action of someone swimming; instead, it is serving as the subject or the main idea of the sentence. It's equivalent to saying "The activity of swimming is a great sport." Here, "swimming" functions as a noun representing the activity or concept rather than the action itself.
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