This quiz works best with JavaScript enabled.
Home
>
English Grammar
>
Grammar
>
Advanced
>
Verbal Functions – Quiz 1
Verbal Functions Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the ability to identify and understand verbal functions in sentences, including infinitives as direct objects or subjects, gerunds as nouns or verbs, and their roles within complex sentence structures. It covers essential grammatical concepts for advanced English learners.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
Is the infinitive being used as the SUBJECT or DIRECT OBJECT? Would you like to lend me a pencil for fifth period?
A) Subject.
B) Direct object.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive "to lend" is used as a direct object in the sentence "Would you like to lend me a pencil for fifth period?" The direct object receives the action of the verb, which in this case is "to lend." Therefore, the correct answer is
B) Direct object.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Subject - Incorrect. The infinitive phrase does not function as the subject of the sentence.
Option B:
Direct object - Correct. The infinitive "to lend" is receiving the action and functions as the direct object.
Option C:
All the above - Incorrect. The infinitive cannot be both a subject and a direct object in this sentence.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect. Option B is correct.
2.
What is the function of the verbal?Please keep students from running in the hallway.
A) Subject complement.
B) Object of a preposition.
C) Direct object.
D) Adjective.
E) Subject.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The function of the verbal "Please keep students from running in the hallway" is to serve as an object of a preposition. In this sentence, "from running" acts as a verbal phrase functioning as the direct object of the prepositional phrase "keep... from."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Subject complement - Incorrect. The verbal does not function as a subject complement.
Option B:
Object of a preposition - Correct. The verbal phrase "from running" is the direct object of the preposition "keep."
Option C:
Direct object - Partially correct, but less precise since it's part of a larger structure.
Option D:
Adjective - Incorrect. The verbal does not modify or describe any noun directly.
Option E:
Subject - Incorrect. The verbal is not the subject of the sentence.
3.
What is the function of the verbal?I love to relax at the beach.
A) Direct object.
B) Subject.
C) Subject complement.
D) Adjective.
E) Object of a preposition.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The function of the verbal "I love to relax" in the sentence "I love to relax at the beach" is a direct object. The infinitive phrase "to relax" functions as the direct object because it receives the action of the main verb "love."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The infinitive phrase "to relax" acts as the direct object, receiving the action of the main verb "love."
Option B:
Incorrect. The subject of the sentence is "I."
Option C:
Incorrect. There is no predicate adjective or linking verb that would make this a subject complement.
Option D:
Incorrect. The infinitive phrase is not an adjective in this context.
Option E:
Incorrect. The infinitive phrase "to relax" is not the object of a preposition but rather the direct object of the main verb "love."
4.
What type of verbal?The squeaking wheel alerted the mechanic to a potential problem.
A) Not a verbal.
B) Gerund.
C) Participle.
D) Infinitive.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "squeaking wheel" functions as a participle in this sentence. It modifies "wheel" and describes its state, indicating that the act of squeaking is happening at the time it alerts the mechanic. This structure acts like an adjective.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The phrase is indeed a verbal.
Option B:
Incorrect. A gerund would be used if "squeaking" were the main verb of the sentence, e.g., "Squeaking alerts the mechanic."
Option C:
Correct. The phrase functions as a participle modifying "wheel."
Option D:
Incorrect. An infinitive would start with "to," such as "To squeak alerted the mechanic."
5.
What is the function of the verbal?Exploring will let you experience a new culture.
A) Subject complement.
B) Adjective.
C) Subject.
D) Direct object.
E) Object of a preposition.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The function of the verbal "Exploring" in the sentence is to serve as the subject, performing the action and introducing the main idea of the sentence. The phrase "will let you experience a new culture" acts as the predicate, describing what exploring does.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Subject complement - Incorrect. This option would apply if "Exploring" were followed by a word that renames or describes it further.
Option B:
Adjective - Incorrect. Verbs do not function as adjectives in this context; they are performing the action of the sentence.
Option C:
Subject - Correct. "Exploring" is the subject, doing the action and initiating the main clause.
Option D:
Direct object - Incorrect. The direct object would receive the action; in this case, it's what exploring does (letting you experience a new culture).
Option E:
Object of a preposition - Incorrect. There is no preposition governing "Exploring" in this sentence.
6.
What type of verbal phrase is green?Amazed by the bright city lights, Buddy wanders around New York.
A) Participial.
B) Gerund.
C) Infinitive.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "Amazed by the bright city lights" functions as a participial phrase modifying the subject "Buddy." It describes Buddy's state of mind while he is wandering around New York.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. This phrase acts as a participial phrase, describing the state or action of the subject.
Option B:
Incorrect. A gerund would end in -ing and function as a noun, e.g., "Wandering around New York is fun."
Option C:
Incorrect. An infinitive begins with "to" followed by the verb, e.g., "To wander around New York."
Option D:
Incorrect. The phrase clearly functions as a participial phrase.
7.
What is the gerund in the following sentence?Running for political office would be kind of exciting.
A) Running.
B) Exciting.
C) Office.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The gerund in the sentence "Running for political office would be kind of exciting" is
Running
. A gerund is a verb form that functions as a noun, and in this case, it is used as the subject of the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Running" is a verb form functioning as a noun.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Exciting" functions as an adjective modifying the gerund, not as a gerund itself.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Office" is a common noun and does not function as a verb form in this sentence.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
8.
Verbal and Verbal Functions
A) A verb form that only functions as an adjective.
B) A verb form that only functions as a noun.
C) A verb form that only functions as an adverb.
D) A verb form that functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Verbal functions refer to the roles that verb forms can play in a sentence beyond their basic action meaning. A verbal form, such as an infinitive (to + base verb), gerund (base verb + -ing), or present participle (base verb + -ing) can function not only as a noun but also as an adjective and adverb.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Verbal forms do not exclusively function as adjectives.
Option B:
Incorrect. Verbal forms do not exclusively function as nouns.
Option C:
Incorrect. Verbal forms do not exclusively function as adverbs.
Option D:
Correct. Verbal forms can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in sentences.
9.
Determine the FUNCTION of the GERUND in the following sentence:More students are graduating high school each year.
A) Subject.
B) Subject complement.
C) Object of preposition.
D) Direct object.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The gerund "graduating" in the sentence functions as a direct object because it receives the action of the main verb "are." Direct objects are typically nouns, pronouns, or gerunds that complete the meaning of a verb by answering the question "what?" or "whom?" after the verb.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Subject - Incorrect. The subject of the sentence is "More students."
Option B:
Subject complement - Incorrect. There is no linking verb that would require a subject complement.
Option C:
Object of preposition - Incorrect. No preposition precedes the gerund in this sentence.
Option D:
Direct object - Correct. The gerund "graduating" receives the action from the main verb "are."
10.
An infinitive ALWAYS looks like .....
A) To + verb.
B) Verb ending in-en.
C) Verb ending in-ing.
D) Verb ending in-ed.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive form of a verb in English always begins with the word "to" followed by the base form of the verb (the simple form without any endings). For example, "to walk," "to talk," and "to play."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Infinitives in English are always formed with "to" + base verb.
Option B:
Incorrect. Verbs ending in -en (e.g., "speak") do not form infinitives this way; they use the base form.
Option C:
Incorrect. Verbs ending in -ing (e.g., "walking," "talking") are part of present participles, not infinitives.
Option D:
Incorrect. Verbs ending in -ed (e.g., "walked," "talked") are past tense or past participle forms, not infinitives.
11.
What type of verbal?To sit perfectly still is difficult.
A) Not a verbal.
B) Participle.
C) Infinitive.
D) Gerund.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "To sit perfectly still" functions as an infinitive verb, serving as the subject complement in this sentence. It describes what it is to be difficult.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Not a verbal. Incorrect because "to sit" is indeed a verbal form.
Option B:
Participle. Incorrect as participles modify nouns or pronouns, not serve as subject complements.
Option C:
Infinitive. Correct. The phrase functions as an infinitive verb serving as the subject complement.
Option D:
Gerund. Incorrect because gerunds function as nouns and this phrase is a verbal acting as a predicate adjective.
12.
Determine the FUNCTION of the INFINITIVE in the following sentence:To know the client is important when interviewing.
A) Subject complement.
B) Subject.
C) Direct object.
D) Adjective.
E) Adverb.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive "To know" in the sentence functions as the subject of the clause. It is the main idea that the sentence revolves around, serving to introduce the importance of knowing the client during an interview.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Subject complement - Incorrect. The infinitive "To know" does not modify or rename a subject.
Option B:
Subject - Correct. The infinitive phrase "To know the client" acts as the subject of the clause, introducing the main idea.
Option C:
Direct object - Incorrect. There is no direct object receiving the action in this sentence.
Option D:
Adjective - Incorrect. The infinitive phrase does not describe or modify a noun directly.
Option E:
Adverb - Incorrect. The infinitive phrase does not modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb in the sentence.
13.
Determine the FUNCTION of the GERUND in the following sentence:Knitting is her favorite hobby.
A) Subject complement.
B) Object of preposition.
C) Direct object.
D) Subject.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The gerund "Knitting" in the sentence functions as the subject of the clause because it is the noun form of a verb acting as the main subject, not an object or complement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Subject complement - Incorrect. The gerund does not modify the subject "her" but acts as the subject itself.
Option B:
Object of preposition - Incorrect. There is no preposition governing a direct object in this sentence.
Option C:
Direct object - Incorrect. The gerund does not receive the action; it performs the action and serves as the subject.
Option D:
Subject - Correct. "Knitting" is the main subject of the sentence, performing the action and being modified by the predicate adjective "is her favorite hobby."
14.
Gerunds always end in .....
A) -ing.
B) -ed.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Gerunds always end in -ing. This is a defining characteristic of gerunds, which are verb forms that function as nouns.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Gerunds indeed always end with the suffix -ing.
Option B:
Incorrect. The -ed ending is typically used for past participles, not gerunds.
Option C:
Incorrect. Not all gerunds end in -ed; only those that are past participles do.
Option D:
Incorrect. At least one correct option exists (A).
15.
What type of verbal?Exploring will let you experience a new culture.
A) Participle.
B) Infinitive.
C) Gerund.
D) Not a verbal.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A gerund is a verb form that functions as a noun, and it ends in -ing. In the phrase "Exploring will let you experience a new culture," "exploring" acts as the subject of the sentence and functions as a noun. Therefore, "exploring" is correctly identified as a gerund.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Participle forms are verbals that function as adjectives or adverbs. "Exploring" does not modify another word in this sentence.
Option B:
An infinitive begins with "to" and functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb. "Exploring" lacks the "to" and thus is not an infinitive.
Option C:
Correct. "Exploring" is a gerund because it ends in -ing and acts as a noun.
Option D:
This option is incorrect since "exploring" clearly functions as a noun in the sentence.
16.
Which blue phrase is a gerund phrase?
A) Volunteering at the animal shelter was a great experience for Jenna.
B) Holding back his tears, Ray said goodbye to his family.
C) Pedro brought a discarded sweater to the lost and found.
D) The students worked to revise the school dress code.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A gerund phrase functions as a noun and is formed by adding -ing to the verb. In option A, "Volunteering at the animal shelter" acts as the subject of the sentence, making it a gerund phrase.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Volunteering at the animal shelter" is a gerund phrase functioning as the subject.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Holding back his tears" is a participial phrase modifying "Ray."
Option C:
Incorrect. "Brought a discarded sweater" is a verb phrase describing Pedro's action.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Worked to revise the school dress code" is a verb phrase indicating an action taken by the students.
17.
An infinitive is a verb form that begins with the word .....
A) To.
B) For.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive form of a verb in English is always introduced by the word "to." For example, in the phrase "to walk," "to" is the marker that indicates this is an infinitive construction.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Infinitives begin with "to."
Option B:
Incorrect. "For" does not introduce infinitives.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only "to" introduces infinitives, not "for."
Option D:
Incorrect. The correct answer is provided in Option A.
18.
An infinitive verbal phrase can act like a ..... , ..... , or .....
A) A noun, an adjective, or an adverb.
B) A noun, a conjunction, or a preposition.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
An infinitive verbal phrase can function as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb in a sentence. This is because the basic form of a verb (to + base form) can act like different parts of speech depending on its context and usage.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Infinitive phrases can indeed function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.
Option B:
Incorrect. Conjunctions and prepositions do not describe the functions of infinitive phrases.
Option C:
Incorrect. Option A is correct; it does not include conjunctions or prepositions as valid functions for infinitive phrases.
Option D:
Incorrect. Infinitive phrases can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.
19.
What type of verbal phrase is green?Buddy wanders around New York.
A) Participial.
B) Gerund.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "green" in the sentence "Buddy wanders around New York." functions as a participial adjective, modifying "Buddy". Participial phrases describe the subject and can be formed using present or past participles (e.g., walking, green).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Green" acts as an adjective describing Buddy.
Option B:
Incorrect. A gerund is a verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun (e.g., running, playing).
Option C:
Incorrect. Only participial phrases are applicable here.
Option D:
Incorrect. The phrase "green" is not an example of none of the above options.
20.
Determine the FUNCTION of the INFINITIVE in the following sentence:My sister wants to hibernate like a bear next winter.
A) Subject.
B) Adjective.
C) Subject complement.
D) Adverb.
E) Direct object.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive "to hibernate" functions as a direct object in the sentence because it receives the action of the main verb "wants." The subject (My sister) wants something, and that something is the infinitive phrase "to hibernate like a bear next winter."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Infinitives do not function as subjects in sentences.
Option B:
Incorrect. Infinitives are not adjectives in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. Infinitives cannot be subject complements here.
Option D:
Incorrect. Infinitives do not modify the verb "wants" as an adverb would.
Option E:
Correct. The infinitive phrase "to hibernate like a bear next winter" acts as the direct object of the main verb "wants."
21.
What type of verbal?To swim wild and free, like a dolphin, would be fun!
A) Gerund.
B) Infinitive.
C) Participle.
D) Not a verbal.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "To swim wild and free" is an infinitive construction, which functions as a verbal in this sentence. An infinitive consists of the word "to" followed by a verb (in its base form), and it can act as a noun, adjective, or adverb.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Gerund - Incorrect. A gerund is a verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun.
Option B:
Infinitive - Correct. "To swim" is an infinitive functioning as the subject complement, describing what would be fun.
Option C:
Participle - Incorrect. A participle is a verb form that functions as an adjective or adverb and does not begin with "to."
Option D:
Not a verbal - Incorrect. Verbs in their various forms (gerunds, infinitives, participles) are considered verba.
22.
Determine the FUNCTION of the GERUND in the following sentence:Teaching is hard work.
A) Object of preposition.
B) Subject.
C) Direct object.
D) Subject complement.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The gerund "Teaching" in the sentence functions as the subject of the sentence. A gerund is a verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun, and here it serves as the main topic being discussed.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Object of preposition - Incorrect. Gerunds can be objects of prepositions but not in this case.
Option B:
Subject - Correct. The gerund "Teaching" is the subject performing the action and being described as hard work.
Option C:
Direct object - Incorrect. There is no direct object receiving the action of the sentence.
Option D:
Subject complement - Incorrect. Gerunds cannot function as subject complements in this context.
23.
What is the RED phrase?Singing her heart out, the toddler knew all the words to Fancy.
A) Participle.
B) Gerund.
C) Infinitive.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The RED phrase "Singing" is a participle functioning as an adjective, modifying the subject "the toddler." It describes how the toddler was singing her heart out.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Participle phrases function as adjectives.
Option B:
Incorrect. Gerunds are nouns, not adjectives.
Option C:
Incorrect. Infinitives begin with "to" and do not modify the subject here.
Option D:
Incorrect. The phrase is correctly identified as a participle.
24.
What is the gerund phrase in the following sentence?
A) Designing buses and cars.
B) One thing you could be doing.
C) To become a product engineer.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The gerund phrase in the sentence is "Designing buses and cars." A gerund functions as a noun, and "designing" here acts as the main verb of the phrase, modifying "buses and cars."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Designing buses and cars" is a gerund phrase.
Option B:
Incorrect. This option describes an action one could be doing but lacks the noun function of a gerund phrase.
Option C:
Incorrect. While this phrase starts with a to-infinitive, it does not act as a noun in the sentence.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
25.
Is the gerund being used as the SUBJECT, DIRECT OBJECT, or OBJECT OF THE PREPOSITION? Many people celebrate New Year's Day by making noise.
A) Subject.
B) Direct object.
C) Object of the prepostion.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The gerund "making" functions as the object of the preposition "by" in this sentence. The phrase "by making noise" indicates the manner in which people celebrate New Year's Day, thus it is an object of the preposition.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Gerund not used as subject.
Option B:
Gerund not used as direct object.
Option C:
Correct. Gerund "making" is the object of the preposition "by".
Option D:
Not applicable.
26.
What is the best definition of an infinitive?
A) A verb phrase with an-ing word.
B) A verb that ends in-ing and functions as a noun.
C) A combination of helping verbs and other words.
D) The word "to" plus a verb.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The best definition of an infinitive is the word "to" plus a verb. This combination functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. For example, in the phrase "to run," "to" is the infinitive marker and "run" is the base form of the verb.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. An infinitive does not always include an -ing word; it specifically requires the "to" plus a verb.
Option B:
Partially correct but incomplete. While an infinitive can function as a noun, it is more accurately defined by its structure rather than just its function.
Option C:
Incorrect. Infinitives do not involve helping verbs; they are simply "to" plus the base form of a verb.
Option D:
Correct. An infinitive is precisely defined as "to" followed by a verb, which can function in various parts of speech within a sentence.
27.
A gerund ALWAYS looks like .....
A) Verb ending in-ing.
B) Verb ending in-ed.
C) To + verb.
D) Verb ending in-en.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A gerund ALWAYS looks like a verb ending in -ing. Gerunds function as nouns and are often used as the subject or object of a sentence, but they retain their verbal nature by ending with -ing.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Gerunds always end in -ing.
Option B:
Incorrect. Verbs ending in -ed are past participles, not gerunds.
Option C:
Incorrect. This is the infinitive form of a verb (e.g., to run).
Option D:
Incorrect. Verbs ending in -en do not exist; this is likely a typo or confusion with other verb endings.
28.
What is the function of the verbal?My uncle from Michigan likes running.
A) Adjective.
B) Object of a preposition.
C) Subject.
D) Direct object.
E) Subject complement.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The function of the verbal "running" in the sentence "My uncle from Michigan likes running." is to act as a direct object. Direct objects receive the action of the verb, and in this case, "running" is what my uncle likes.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Adjective - Describes or modifies a noun or pronoun.
Option B:
Object of a preposition - Follows a preposition and receives the action of another verb.
Option C:
Subject - The entity performing the action in the sentence.
Option D:
Correct - Direct object receiving the action of the verb "likes."
Option E:
Subject complement - Completes the meaning of the subject, often following linking verbs like "is" or "seems."
29.
Verbals are verb forms that serve as another part of speech.
A) True.
B) False.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Verbal functions refer to the roles that verb forms can play in a sentence, such as serving as nouns (gerunds and infinitives), adjectives, or adverbs. These verb forms are indeed functioning as another part of speech beyond their basic verb role.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Verbal functions describe how verb forms can act as different parts of speech.
Option B:
Incorrect. Verbals do serve as other parts of speech, not just verbs.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only Option A is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
30.
Is the gerund being used as the SUBJECT, DIRECT OBJECT, or OBJECT OF THE PREPOSITION? In almost every American town, holding parades on the Fourth of July is a tradition.
A) Subject.
B) Direct object.
C) Object of preposition.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The gerund "holding" functions as the subject of the sentence. It is the main noun phrase that performs the action and serves as the topic being discussed.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The gerund "holding" acts as the subject.
Option B:
Incorrect. The gerund is not the direct object of any verb in this sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect. There is no preposition that has a gerund as its object in this sentence.
Option D:
Incorrect. One of the options (A) is correct, so "None of the above" does not apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a gerund and an infinitive in English grammar?
A gerund functions as a noun, formed by adding -ing to a verb (e.g., running), while an infinitive consists of "to" followed by a verb (e.g., to run). Gerunds can be the subject or object of sentences, whereas infinitives often function as adjectives or adverbs.
Can you explain how participial phrases are used in a sentence?
Participial phrases, which include present and past participles (e.g., running, having run), modify nouns or pronouns. They can provide additional information about the subject of the sentence, acting as adjectives to describe actions, states, or conditions.
What are verbal functions in sentences?
Verbal functions refer to how verbs can be used in a sentence beyond just describing an action. They include gerunds, infinitives, and participles, which can serve as subjects, objects, or modifiers, adding complexity and variety to sentence structures.
How do gerund phrases function in sentences?
Gerund phrases act as nouns within a sentence. They can serve as the subject, direct object, or complement of another verb, providing specific actions or states that are relevant to the main clause.
What is an infinitive construction in English?
An infinitive construction consists of "to" followed by a verb and can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb. It often modifies the subject or object of a sentence, offering additional information about purpose, ability, or intention.