Download Participles vs Gerunds vs Verbs

Participles vs. Gerunds vs. Verbs
Verbals
Standard
ELACC8L1: Demonstrate command of the
conventions of standard English grammar and
usage when writing or speaking.
a. Explain the function of verbals (gerunds,
participles, infinitives) in general and their
function in particular sentences.
Be Careful
• Participles, Gerunds, and Verbs are easy to
mix up because verbals sometimes look like
verbs.
Verb
Verb: A verb is what the subject of a clause is
actually doing, will do, or did.
Ex. I am walking to the store today.
Gerund
Gerund: A gerund is a THING/ACTIVITY, not
action, and not a description.
Ex. Spending money on groceries can get
expensive.
Participles
Participle: A participle is a DESCRIPTION, not an
action, and not a thing.
Ex. Walking carefully, the tightrope walker
crossed the wire.
Hint Chart
Verb
Gerund
Participle
Tells what the Is a THING or
Is a
subject is
ACTIVITY
description
doing/did
of someone
or something
Participle, Verb, or Gerund?
1. Stepping lightly, the kids tiptoed across the
room.
2. I like piano, but I do not like practicing.
3. Shelia is cleaning her room.
4. Do not drink the cleaning products.
5. Cleaning the counter every day keeps it nice
and germ-free.
6. Screeching to a halt, the car narrowly avoided
an accident.
7. I am tired of running laps.