1.
"Swimming" is a good exercise.
Correct Answer
B. 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.
Choose the correct sentence using a gerund.
Correct Answer
B. She enjoys reading books.
Explanation
The gerund "reading" is the correct form here. Gerunds function as nouns and follow certain verbs, like "enjoy," which require the gerund form instead of an infinitive. "Reading" in this case acts as the object of "enjoys."
3.
Economics is an "ever-expanding" field of study.
Correct Answer
A. 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.
4.
We drove to the mall "to buy our new surround sound system."
Correct Answer
C. 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.
5.
"Breaking the light barrier" is simply not possible.
Correct Answer
B. 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.
6.
"Overwhelmed by the menu choices," I just closed my eyes and pointed with my finger.
Correct Answer
A. 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.
7.
They have closed the cafeteria "to repair a broken steam table."
Correct Answer
C. 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.
8.
"Passing this quiz with a good grade" would make me happy.
Correct Answer
B. 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.
9.
I always enjoy "watching a meteor shower."
Correct Answer
B. 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.
10.
"Running is not the solution."
Correct Answer
B. 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.
11.
Swimming is a great sport.
Correct Answer
B. 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.
12.
Identify the participle in the sentence: "The broken glass was lying on the floor."
Correct Answer
A. Broken
Explanation
"Broken" is a past participle used as an adjective to describe "glass." Participles modify nouns and often describe a state resulting from an action. In this case, the glass is described as being in a broken state.
13.
Select the correct use of an infinitive.
Correct Answer
B. I can swim fast.
Explanation
After modal verbs like "can," the base form of the verb (without "to") is used. "Swim" is the correct infinitive usage here. Infinitives express purpose or ability and often follow modal verbs.
14.
Which of the following sentences uses the infinitive correctly?
Correct Answer
C. I am interested in learning new languages.
Explanation
The phrase "interested in" is followed by a gerund, not an infinitive. "Learning" is the gerund that acts as the object of the preposition "in," making the sentence grammatically correct.
15.
Which sentence contains an incorrect use of a gerund or infinitive?
Correct Answer
A. I forgot meeting him last week.
Explanation
"Forgot" with a gerund implies that the action occurred in the past and you have no memory of it. In contrast, using the infinitive ("to meet") would suggest you forgot to perform the action. "I forgot meeting him" is grammatically incorrect in this context.