Gerund and Participle: A Comprehensive Guide for Exam Success

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Gerund and Participle: Introduction

Understanding gerund and participle is crucial for students and candidates preparing for competitive exams like TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, or government tests. These grammatical forms, derived from verbs but functioning differently, often confuse learners due to their similar appearances. This comprehensive guide clarifies the concepts of gerund and participle, provides 50 examples each with meanings, and offers practical tips to help you excel in exams.

What Are Gerunds and Participles?

• Gerund: A verb form ending in “-ing” that functions as a noun (e.g., “Swimming is fun,” where “swimming” is the subject).
• Participle: A verb form used as an adjective or to form verb tenses. Present participles end in “-ing” (e.g., “running water”), and past participles often end in “-ed” or other forms (e.g., “broken glass”).
• Key Difference: Gerunds act as nouns, while participles act as adjectives or components of verb phrases.

50 Examples of Gerunds with Meanings

Gerunds function as nouns (subjects, objects, or complements). Below are 50 examples with meanings and example sentences.

1. Swimming (act of moving through water) – Swimming is my favorite sport.
2. Reading (act of interpreting text) – Reading improves vocabulary.
3. Writing (act of composing text) – Writing essays is challenging.
4. Singing (act of producing musical sounds) – Singing brings joy.
5. Dancing (act of moving rhythmically) – Dancing is her passion.
6. Running (act of moving fast on foot) – Running keeps you fit.
7. Cooking (act of preparing food) – Cooking requires patience.
8. Painting (act of creating art) – Painting relaxes me.
9. Hiking (act of walking in nature) – Hiking is adventurous.
10. Jogging (act of running slowly) – Jogging boosts energy.
11. Listening (act of hearing attentively) – Listening is a key skill.
12. Speaking (act of verbal communication) – Speaking fluently takes practice.
13. Studying (act of learning) – Studying is essential for exams.
14. Drawing (act of sketching) – Drawing enhances creativity.
15. Gardening (act of tending plants) – Gardening is therapeutic.
16. Shopping (act of buying goods) – Shopping can be fun.
17. Traveling (act of journeying) – Traveling broadens horizons.
18. Cycling (act of riding a bicycle) – Cycling is eco-friendly.
19. Fishing (act of catching fish) – Fishing requires patience.
20. Sewing (act of stitching) – Sewing saves money.
21. Baking (act of cooking with heat) – Baking cakes is enjoyable.
22. Knitting (act of creating fabric) – Knitting is a relaxing hobby.
23. Skiing (act of gliding on snow) – Skiing is thrilling.
24. Typing (act of writing with a keyboard) – Typing improves efficiency.
25. Swimming (act of floating in water) – Swimming cools you down.
26. Climbing (act of ascending) – Climbing mountains is challenging.
27. Walking (act of moving on foot) – Walking is great exercise.
28. Driving (act of operating a vehicle) – Driving requires focus.
29. Reading (act of reviewing text) – Reading novels is entertaining.
30. Laughing (act of expressing amusement) – Laughing reduces stress.
31. Crying (act of shedding tears) – Crying can be cathartic.
32. Shouting (act of yelling) – Shouting disturbs others.
33. Whispering (act of speaking softly) – Whispering keeps secrets.
34. Eating (act of consuming food) – Eating healthy is important.
35. Drinking (act of consuming liquids) – Drinking water is vital.
36. Sleeping (act of resting) – Sleeping refreshes the mind.
37. Thinking (act of reasoning) – Thinking critically solves problems.
38. Learning (act of acquiring knowledge) – Learning is lifelong.
39. Teaching (act of imparting knowledge) – Teaching inspires others.
40. Building (act of constructing) – Building houses takes skill.
41. Sailing (act of navigating water) – Sailing is adventurous.
42. Hunting (act of seeking prey) – Hunting requires precision.
43. Farming (act of cultivating land) – Farming supports communities.
44. Exercising (act of physical activity) – Exercising improves health.
45. Sculpting (act of shaping materials) – Sculpting creates art.
46. Singing (act of performing vocally) – Singing uplifts spirits.
47. Writing (act of creating stories) – Writing fiction is creative.
48. Exploring (act of discovering) – Exploring new places is exciting.
49. Organizing (act of arranging) – Organizing saves time.
50. Volunteering (act of helping freely) – Volunteering builds character.

50 Examples of Participles with Meanings

Participles function as adjectives or parts of verb tenses. Below are 25 present participles and 25 past participles with meanings and example sentences.

Present Participles (Function as Adjectives)

1. Running (moving quickly) – The running water is refreshing.
2. Singing (producing musical sounds) – A singing bird woke me up.
3. Dancing (moving rhythmically) – The dancing couple was graceful.
4. Shining (emitting light) – The shining sun warmed the beach.
5. Laughing (showing amusement) – The laughing child was joyful.
6. Crying (shedding tears) – The crying baby needed comfort.
7. Falling (descending) – The falling leaves were beautiful.
8. Growing (increasing in size) – The growing plant needs water.
9. Burning (on fire) – The burning candle lit the room.
10. Spinning (rotating) – The spinning wheel was mesmerizing.
11. Flying (moving through air) – The flying kite soared high.
12. Swimming (moving in water) – The swimming fish darted away.
13. Writing (composing text) – The writing poet inspired us.
14. Reading (engaged in text) – The reading student was focused.
15. Working (performing tasks) – The working machine hummed loudly.
16. Shouting (yelling loudly) – The shouting crowd cheered wildly.
17. Sleeping (resting) – The sleeping dog looked peaceful.
18. Eating (consuming food) – The eating toddler made a mess.
19. Jumping (leaping) – The jumping frog crossed the pond.
20. Climbing (ascending) – The climbing vines covered the wall.
21. Glowing (emitting light) – The glowing lamp was warm.
22. Running (fleeing) – The running deer escaped danger.
23. Sinking (going downward) – The sinking ship was alarming.
24. Dripping (leaking slowly) – The dripping faucet annoyed her.
25. Smiling (showing happiness) – The smiling child waved back.

Past Participles (Function as Adjectives or in Verb Tenses)

26. Broken (damaged) – The broken window needs repair.
27. Written (composed) – The written letter was heartfelt.
28. Spoken (expressed verbally) – The spoken words were inspiring.
29. Chosen (selected) – The chosen candidate excelled.
30. Eaten (consumed) – The eaten apple was delicious.
31. Hidden (concealed) – The hidden treasure was found.
32. Frozen (solidified by cold) – The frozen lake was stunning.
33. Stolen (taken unlawfully) – The stolen jewels were recovered.
34. Driven (operated) – The driven car was brand new.
35. Given (presented) – The given advice was helpful.
36. Taken (seized) – The taken photo was blurry.
37. Burnt (scorched) – The burnt toast was inedible.
38. Built (constructed) – The built bridge was sturdy.
39. Sung (performed vocally) – The sung song was beautiful.
40. Known (recognized) – The known facts were verified.
41. Shrunk (reduced in size) – The shrunk sweater didn’t fit.
42. Torn (ripped) – The torn paper was useless.
43. Worn (used) – The worn shoes were comfortable.
44. Forgotten (not remembered) – The forgotten book was dusty.
45. Drunk (consumed as liquid) – The drunk water was refreshing.
46. Thrown (tossed) – The thrown ball hit the target.
47. Caught (captured) – The caught fish was released.
48. Drawn (sketched) – The drawn picture was detailed.
49. Ridden (traveled on) – The ridden bicycle was old.
50. Shaken (disturbed) – The shaken bottle fizzed over.

Gerund and Participle: Tips for Mastering Gerund and Participle for Competitive Exams

1. Identify the Function: Determine if the “-ing” word is a noun (gerund) or adjective/verb component (participle). For example, “Singing is fun” (gerund) vs. “The singing bird” (participle).
2. Practice Sentence Analysis: Competitive exams often test your ability to identify gerunds and participles in sentences. Practice spotting their roles in context.
3. Learn Common Patterns: Gerunds often follow verbs like “enjoy” (e.g., “I enjoy swimming”), while participles follow verbs like “is/are” in verb tenses (e.g., “The book was written”).
4. Use Mnemonics: Remember gerunds as “nouns in action” and participles as “adjectives or verb helpers.”
5. Memorize Irregular Past Participles: Know irregular forms like “written” (write), “sung” (sing), or “broken” (break) for accurate usage.
6. Practice Transformation: Convert sentences to test understanding, e.g., change “She loves to sing” to “She loves singing” (gerund).
7. Focus on Prepositions: Gerunds often follow prepositions (e.g., “He is good at dancing”), while participles do not.
8. Mock Tests: Solve grammar questions from past exams to build speed and accuracy in identifying gerunds and participles.

Gerund and Participle: Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Confusing Gerunds with Present Participles: Mistaking “Running is healthy” (gerund) for a participle like “The running man” (adjective).
• Incorrect Verb Forms: Using a gerund after verbs that require infinitives (e.g., “I want to swimming” instead of “I want to swim”).
• Misusing Past Participles: Confusing past participles in verb tenses (e.g., “has broken”) with adjectives (e.g., “the broken chair”).
• Overlooking Context: Ensure the word’s role matches the sentence’s meaning, as “-ing” words can be gerunds, participles, or simple verbs.

Gerund and Participle: Conclusion

Mastering gerund and participle is a vital skill for students and candidates aiming to excel in competitive exams. By understanding their roles, practicing with the 50 examples provided for each, and applying the tips above, you can confidently tackle grammar questions and enhance your language skills. Regular practice with gerund and participle will boost your exam performance and communication abilities.

Also Read: Antonyms Starting with Letter D: Meanings and Tips for Mastery

Basics of Gerund and Infinitive

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