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Distinguishing between Participles and Gerunds - Exercise 2

Directions:  Each sentence contains an underlined verbal phrase. In the box below each sentence, identify the verbal as a present participle or gerund. If the verbal is a participle, write the noun that it is modifying. If the verbal is a gerund, write its function (subject, direct object, appositive, object of preposition, subjective complement). When you are finished, click the "Check My Work" button at the bottom of the page to check your answers.

1.  The man sitting by the library door is waiting for his wife to finish her research.



2.  After reading the newspaper story, Josephine immediately called to volunteer.



3.  My cooking rises to an art form.



4.  Four people watched the young acrobat teetering across the tightrope.



5.  A major part of the Secret Service's job is protecting the President.



6.  He was bragging about winning all four races.



7.  The Smiths appreciated our helping them paint the new house.



8.  Listening for the familiar "clicks", Jack fanned the Geiger counter over the field.



9.  Ernie's problem, being late for just about every appointment, resulted in his suspension at work.



10.  Bill's idea of fun is watching cartoons every Saturday morning.



11.  We enjoyed visiting the new museum.



12.  Ms. Jones had a valid excuse for coming to the party late.



13.  Alex, staring intently through the binoculars, saw two red-headed woodpeckers.



14.  Lowering the interest rate can stimulate the economy.



15.  The art collector gazed adoringly at his recent purchase: two drawings by Renoir.



           

 

For further information on these resources, contact
Margaret L. Benner
benner@towson.edu

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