Gerunds, Participles, and Infinitives

Can you identify the infinitive and determine its function?

• 'To understand' is the infinitive here and it is functioning as a noun. It is the subject of the sentence.

• 'To understand' is the infinitive here and it is functioning as an adjective. This is incorrect because an adjective modifies a noun or pronoun, but here 'to understand' is not modifying any noun or pronoun.

• 'To practice' is the infinitive here and it is functioning as an adverb. This is incorrect because 'to practice' is not an infinitive in this sentence.

• 'To practice' is the infinitive here and it is functioning as a noun. This is incorrect because 'to practice' is not an infinitive in this sentence.

A participle is a form of a verb that is used in a sentence as an ADJECTIVE to modify a noun or noun phrase. Can you identify which sentence uses a participle as an adjective?

• I have a painting hanging in my room.

• To paint is a wonderful hobby.

• Painting can be a relaxing activity.

• She wants to paint her room blue.

Can you identify the gerund in this sentence and its function?

• Jogging - adjective: This is incorrect. Although 'Jogging' is the gerund in the sentence, it is not functioning as an adjective. An adjective is a word that describes a noun or pronoun.

• In - adverb: This is incorrect. 'In' is a preposition in this sentence, not an adverb. An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb.

• Morning - noun: This is incorrect. Although 'morning' is a noun, it is not the gerund in the sentence. The gerund is the verb form that is functioning as a noun.

• Jogging - noun: This is correct. 'Jogging' is the gerund in the sentence and it is functioning as a noun. It is the subject of the sentence.

In this sentence, what is the function of the infinitive "to read"?

• Adjective: Infinitives function as adjectives when they modify or describe a noun in the sentence. For example, 'I have a book to read.'

• Adverb: Infinitives function as adverbs when they modify or describe a verb, an adjective, or another adverb in the sentence. For example, 'I am eager to leave.'

• Noun: Infinitives function as nouns when they act as the subject, the direct object, or the subject complement in a sentence. For example, 'To read before bed helps me relax.'

• Participle: Participles are verb forms used as adjectives. They are not typically associated with infinitives. For example, 'The broken window was repaired.'

Which of the following is an example of a gerund phrase?

• Runs in the park

• Ran in the park

• To run in the park

• Running in the park

Fill in the blank: An infinitive is usually preceded by the word ______.

• to

• for

• by

• with

What is the role of a gerund in a sentence?

• To act as a noun

• To act as an adjective

• To act as an adverb

• To act as a conjunction

Which of the following sentences uses a gerund correctly?

• She is playing the piano.

• Playing the piano is fun.

• They play the piano.

• He played the piano.

Fill in the blank: 'Driving' in 'Driving can be relaxing' is a ___.

• Verb

• Noun

• Adjective

• Adverb

Infinitives can act like which of the following?

• Noun

• Adjective

• Adverb

• All of the above.