Page 66 - English Expedition Class 6

The Gerund
You have previously read that the -ing form of a verb which functions as a noun in a sentence is called
a gerund.

As both the gerund and the present participle end in -ing, they must be carefully distinguished. A
gerund is a verb-noun and the present participle is a verb-adjective. For example,
• The child was tired of walking. (gerund)
• Walking along the road, he noticed a dead snake. (present participle)

• I will never tire of seeing this view. (gerund)
• Seeing Nina, her friends came over to talk. (present participle)

B. Fill in the blanks using either gerunds or participles, stating the form of the verb you have
used.

1. ______________ the child for being careless, the teacher gently
cleaned his injury. (scold)
2. We saw the policeman ____________ of his partner’s dog. (scare)
3. _____________ is my favourite hobby. (dance)

4. I am ______________ to play the guitar at school. (learn)
5. The door ___________ open, the purse was stolen. (be)
6. We saw the woman ____________ candles in the church. (light)

7. ____________ his father repair the radio cheered Shishir up. (help)
8. Having _____________ the assignment, the group decided to
celebrate. (complete)

9. You will fall sick if you keep _____________ in the rain. (stand)
10. She always enjoys a thorough ____________ in the fi rst rain. (drench)

C. Combine the sentences using infi nitives or participles. One has been done for you.

Janani wore a new dress. She went to the party.
Wearing a new dress, Janani went to the party.
1. You must call him. You must ask for the fi les.

2. Gini sat in the bus. She saw her friend in the street.
3. Sahal went to the park. He played with his friends.
4. Dogs need lots of exercise. They stay healthy.

5. The people crowded around the bonfi re. They
warmed their hands.
6. Adi went to sleep. He was exhausted.

7. We heard a loud scream. We ran into the house.
8. The detective followed the woman. She carried a
colourful umbrella.
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