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Gerunds As Subjects – Quiz 1
Gerunds As Subjects Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the ability to identify and understand gerunds used as subjects in sentences, including their roles in complex structures and subject-verb agreement. It covers various aspects such as identifying gerund phrases, recognizing appropriate usage for context relevance, and understanding verb forms functioning as nouns.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
Why don't you like listening to rock music?
A) SUBJECT.
B) OBJECT.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because "listening to rock music" functions as an object in the sentence, not a subject. A gerund (a verb form ending in -ing that acts as a noun) can only be used as a subject if it directly follows the verb "like," making "listening to rock music" the object of the preposition "to."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
SUBJECT. Incorrect, because the gerund phrase is not the main subject of the sentence.
Option B:
OBJECT. Correct, as "listening to rock music" acts as an object in this context.
Option C:
All the above. Incorrect, since only one option (B) is correct.
Option D:
None of the above. Incorrect, because Option B is correct.
2.
Choose the sentence where the gerund is used as a subject complement.
A) Teaching is his job.
B) He loves teaching.
C) His job is teaching.
D) Teaching him is rewarding.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C) "His job is teaching" correctly uses the gerund "teaching" as a subject complement. In this sentence, "teaching" follows the linking verb "is" and functions as a predicate nominative, providing additional information about what his job consists of.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Teaching is his job." uses a gerund but not as a subject complement; it serves as the subject of the sentence.
Option B:
"He loves teaching." uses a gerund but as an object of the verb "loves," not as a subject complement.
Option D:
"Teaching him is rewarding." uses a gerund but it functions as the subject of the sentence, with "him" being the direct object and "is rewarding" serving as the predicate adjective.
3.
Which of the following sentences uses 'it' with an infinitive correctly?
A) It is important studying for exams.
B) To study for exams is important it.
C) It is important to study for exams.
D) It is important to studying for exams.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C is correct because it uses the infinitive "to study" correctly with "it." In English, when using "it" as a dummy subject to introduce an infinitive phrase, the infinitive must begin with "to."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The infinitive should start with "to."
Option B:
Incorrect. This sentence structure is not grammatically correct.
Option C:
Correct. Uses the infinitive correctly after "it."
Option D:
Incorrect. The infinitive should start with "to."
4.
Discovering new places in my city is my hobby.
A) SUBJECT.
B) OBJECT.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Gerunds are verb forms ending in -ing that function as nouns. In the sentence "Discovering new places in my city is my hobby," "Discovering" acts as a noun, serving as the subject of the sentence. Therefore, the correct answer is A) SUBJECT.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The gerund "Discovering" functions as the subject.
Option B:
Incorrect. The gerund cannot be an object in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only one option is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. All other options are incorrect.
5.
..... is good for both the body and the mind.
A) Swimming.
B) Swim.
C) To swim.
D) Swims.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Swimming is a gerund functioning as the subject of the sentence, making it grammatically correct and suitable for both body and mind benefits.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Swimming" functions as a gerund and serves as the subject.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Swim" is an infinitive verb, not a subject.
Option C:
Incorrect. "To swim" is a gerund phrase but does not function alone as the subject in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Swims" is a third-person singular present tense verb and cannot be the subject of the sentence.
6.
..... a parking space is difficult in the mornings.
A) Found.
B) Finds.
C) Find.
D) Finding.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Finding a parking space is difficult in the mornings" uses a gerund as its subject. A gerund is a verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun. In this case, "finding" acts as the subject of the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Found - Past participle, not a subject.
Option B:
Finds - Third-person singular present tense, not a subject.
Option C:
Find - Base form of the verb, not a subject in this context.
Option D:
Finding - Correct gerund used as the subject.
7.
Identify the sentence that uses a gerund as a subject.
A) Reading is enjoyable.
B) Reads is enjoyable.
C) To read is enjoyable.
D) It is enjoyable to read.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A gerund is a verb form that ends in -ing and functions as a noun. In the sentence "Reading is enjoyable," "reading" is a gerund used as the subject of the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Reading" is a gerund functioning as the subject.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Reads" is a verb in its third-person singular form and cannot be the subject of this sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect. "To read" is an infinitive, not a gerund, and thus cannot function as the subject here.
Option D:
Correct grammatically but uses an infinitive instead of a gerund, making it incorrect for this specific question.
8.
..... is important for a healthy lifestyle.
A) Exercise.
B) Exercising.
C) Exercised.
D) To exercise.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Gerunds, which are verbs in their -ing form functioning as nouns, can be used as subjects of a sentence. In the given statement "Exercising is important for a healthy lifestyle," "exercising" functions as the subject and acts as a gerund.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Exercise - Noun form, not a gerund.
Option B:
Exercising - Correct; verb in -ing form functioning as a noun (gerund).
Option C:
Exercised - Past participle, not a gerund.
Option D:
To exercise - Infinitive form, not a gerund.
9.
Where do we place the "gerund" when it's working as an object of preposition?
A) Before the subject.
B) After a preposition.
C) After the subject.
D) After the verb be.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Gerunds, when functioning as objects of prepositions, are placed after the preposition. This is because a gerund acts like a noun and follows the same rules regarding prepositional phrases as other nouns do in English grammar.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Gerunds are not placed before the subject.
Option B:
Correct. Gerunds work as objects of prepositions and follow after them.
Option C:
Incorrect. Gerunds do not come after the subject in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. Gerunds are not placed after the verb "be" when acting as objects of prepositions.
10.
I enjoy swimming in the ocean.
A) Verb.
B) Subject.
C) Object.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A gerund is a verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun. In the sentence "I enjoy swimming in the ocean," "swimming" is a gerund acting as the subject of the sentence, not an object.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Verb. Incorrect. Swimming is a verb form but used as a noun here.
Option B:
Subject. Correct. "Swimming" functions as the subject of the sentence, expressing what the speaker enjoys.
Option C:
Object. Incorrect. The object would be something receiving the action; in this case, there is no direct object.
Option D:
None of the above. Incorrect. "Swimming" as a subject fits one of the given options.
11.
Eating vegetables is important for a balanced diet.
A) Subject.
B) Verb.
C) Object.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Gerunds are verb forms ending in -ing that function as nouns. In the sentence "Eating vegetables is important for a balanced diet," "eating" acts as the subject because it is the noun representing the action that performs the predicate's role.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Eating" functions as the subject of the sentence.
Option B:
Incorrect. Verbs do not function as subjects in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Vegetables" is the object, not the gerund functioning as a subject.
Option D:
Incorrect. The sentence clearly identifies "eating" as the subject.
12.
Is the gerund the subject or the object? I enjoy jumping the rope with my friends.
A) Object.
B) Subject.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Gerunds, which are verb forms ending in -ing and functioning as nouns, can act as subjects of a sentence. In the given sentence "I enjoy jumping the rope with my friends," the gerund "jumping" is used as an object of the preposition "with." Therefore, it cannot be the subject.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The gerund "jumping" is not the subject but the object of the preposition.
Option B:
Correct. The gerund "jumping" functions as an object in this sentence, not a subject.
Option C:
Incorrect. The gerund cannot be both the subject and the object simultaneously in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. The gerund is clearly identified as an object in the sentence.
13.
In the sentence 'Singing makes her happy', what is the subject?
A) Happy.
B) Her.
C) Makes.
D) Singing.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The subject of the sentence 'Singing makes her happy' is
Singing
. In this sentence, "Singing" functions as a gerund (a verb form ending in -ing used as a noun) and acts as the subject performing the action.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Happy is an adjective describing her emotional state.
Option B:
Her refers to the object of happiness but not the subject doing the making happy.
Option C:
Makes is a verb and does not function as the subject in this sentence.
Option D:
Singing, being a gerund, serves as the subject performing the action.
14.
What is the gerund/gerund phrase in the following sentence?I hate losing games.
A) Hate.
B) I.
C) Losing games.
D) None.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The gerund in the sentence "I hate losing games" is "losing games." A gerund is a verb form that ends in -ing and functions as a noun. Here, "losing games" acts as the subject of the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Hate is not a gerund but a verb.
Option B:
I is a pronoun, not a gerund.
Option C:
Losing games is the correct answer as it is a gerund phrase functioning as the subject of the sentence.
Option D:
None is incorrect because "losing games" is indeed a gerund phrase in this context.
15.
What is the gerund in the sentence:'Jogging every morning keeps me healthy.'
A) Keeps.
B) Healthy.
C) Morning.
D) Jogging.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The gerund in the sentence "Jogging every morning keeps me healthy" is
Jogging
. A gerund is a verb form that ends in -ing and functions as a noun. In this sentence, "Jogging" acts as the subject of the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Keeps is an infinitive verb used as the predicate.
Option B:
Healthy is an adjective describing the state of the speaker.
Option C:
Morning is a noun indicating time.
Option D:
Jogging functions as the subject, making it the correct answer.
16.
Does Olivia enjoy getting up early?
A) SUBJECT.
B) OBJECT.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Gerunds are nouns formed from verbs and end in -ing. They can function as subjects, objects, or other parts of speech. In the given sentence "Does Olivia enjoy getting up early?", "getting up early" is a gerund phrase acting as the object of the sentence. The subject of this question is "Olivia".
Option Analysis:
Option A:
SUBJECT - Incorrect, because "getting up early" is not the subject.
Option B:
OBJECT - Correct, as "getting up early" functions as an object in this sentence.
Option C:
All the above - Incorrect, since only option B is correct.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect, because option B is correct.
17.
Choose the correct sentence with the gerunds as a subject.
A) Sleeping is an activity that all animals do.
B) Sleeps is an activity that all animals do.
C) Sleeping are activities that all animals do.
D) Sleep is an activity that all animals doing.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct sentence is
A) Sleeping is an activity that all animals do.
This sentence uses the gerund "Sleeping" as the subject, which is grammatically correct and follows the rules of using a gerund as a noun. The other options are incorrect because they either use the base form of the verb (Options B and D), or incorrectly pluralize the gerund (Option C).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct usage of a gerund as a subject.
Option B:
Incorrect; uses the base form "sleeps" instead of the gerund "sleeping".
Option C:
Incorrect; incorrectly pluralizes the gerund "sleeping" to "sleeping are".
Option D:
Incorrect; uses "is doing" after the subject, which is not necessary for a gerund used as a subject.
18.
Identify the gerund in the following sentence:Swimming is my favorite summer activity.
A) Favorite.
B) Summer.
C) Swimming.
D) Activity.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The gerund in the sentence "Swimming is my favorite summer activity" is
swimming
. A gerund is a verb form that ends in -ing and functions as a noun. In this case, "swimming" acts as the subject of the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Favorite does not end in -ing and thus is not a gerund.
Option B:
Summer is a noun and not a verb form ending in -ing, so it cannot be a gerund.
Option C:
Swimming ends in -ing and functions as the subject of the sentence, making it the correct answer.
Option D:
Activity is a noun and does not end in -ing, so it is not a gerund.
19.
I enjoy ..... to music in my free time.
A) Listening.
B) To listen.
C) Listen.
D) Listened.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Gerunds are used as subjects in a sentence when the verb is being used to describe an activity that the subject enjoys doing. In this case, "Listening" (Option A) functions as the subject of the sentence and correctly indicates the activity being enjoyed.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Listening" is a gerund functioning as the subject of the sentence.
Option B:
Incorrect. "To listen" is an infinitive phrase and cannot be used as the subject of a sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Listen" is an infinitive verb and not suitable for use as a subject in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Listened" is a past tense verb and does not fit the grammatical structure of the sentence.
20.
Eating lots of vegetables ..... important for good health.
A) Are.
B) Am.
C) Is.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Gerunds are verbs that function as nouns and end in -ing. In this sentence, "Eating" is a gerund acting as the subject. The verb phrase "is important for good health" agrees with the singular gerund "Eating," making "Is" the correct choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect because "Are" does not agree with the singular gerund "Eating."
Option B:
Incorrect because "Am" is a first-person singular form and does not fit as the subject of this sentence.
Option C:
Correct because "Is" agrees with the singular gerund "Eating."
Option D:
Not applicable since one of the options (C) is correct.
21.
Choose the correct sentence that uses 'it' with an infinitive.
A) Cooking is my passion.
B) It is my passion cook.
C) My passion is to cook.
D) It is my passion to cook.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option D is correct because it uses "it" as an impersonal subject to introduce the infinitive phrase "to cook." This structure is commonly used when the main clause's subject does not directly perform the action expressed by the infinitive. In this case, "my passion" is the true subject of the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Grammatically correct but lacks an introductory 'it' for the infinitive structure.
Option B:
Incorrect syntax; should be "It is my passion to cook."
Option C:
Correct in meaning, but requires "to" before "cook." The use of "is to" without "it" is not standard for this construction.
Option D:
Correct: uses 'it' as an impersonal subject followed by the infinitive phrase "to cook."
22.
Choose the correct gerund to complete the sentence.My friends don't like ..... They always eat at restaurants.
A) Driving.
B) Watching.
C) Cooking.
D) Swimming.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Gerunds as subjects are typically used with linking verbs like "like," "enjoy," and "hate." In this sentence, the verb is "don't like," which fits a gerund subject well. The context suggests an activity that friends avoid because they prefer eating out. Among the options, "Cooking" (Option C) makes sense as it describes an activity one might dislike in favor of dining at restaurants.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Driving - Not relevant to the context of preferring restaurant meals.
Option B:
Watching - Not directly related to the act of preparing food or eating habits.
Option C:
Cooking - Correct, as it describes an activity one might avoid in favor of dining out.
Option D:
Swimming - Irrelevant to the context provided.
23.
She is painting.
A) Subject.
B) Verb.
C) Object.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "She is painting" contains a verb phrase "is painting." In this context, the verb "painting" functions as a gerund, which can act as a subject in a sentence. Therefore, the correct answer is B) Verb.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Subject - Incorrect because "She" is the subject of the sentence.
Option B:
Verb - Correct because "painting" functions as a gerund and can act as a subject.
Option C:
Object - Incorrect because there is no direct object in this sentence.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect since Option B is correct.
24.
..... water is important.
A) Save.
B) Saving.
C) Saved.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Gerunds are verb forms ending in -ing that function as nouns. In this sentence, "Saving" is a gerund acting as the subject. It correctly identifies water's importance by focusing on the action of saving it.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Save - Not a noun form; cannot be the subject.
Option B:
Saving - Correct, a gerund functioning as the subject.
Option C:
Saved - Past tense verb; not suitable for subject position here.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect since "Saving" is correct.
25.
What is the subject? Reading improves your vocabulary.
A) Improves.
B) Reading.
C) Your.
D) Vocabulary.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The subject of the sentence "Reading improves your vocabulary" is
Reading
. In this sentence, "Reading" functions as a gerund (a verb form ending in -ing that acts as a noun) and serves as the subject. The verb phrase "improves your vocabulary" describes what reading does.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Improves is part of the predicate, not the subject.
Option B:
Correct. Reading acts as a gerund and is the subject of the sentence.
Option C:
Your is a possessive adjective modifying vocabulary; it's not the subject.
Option D:
Vocabulary is the object of the verb, not the subject.
26.
What is the gerund in the sentence:Reading books is a great way to learn.
A) Great.
B) Learn.
C) Books.
D) Reading.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The gerund in the sentence "Reading books is a great way to learn" is
Reading
. A gerund is a verb form that ends in -ing and functions as a noun. In this sentence, "Reading" acts as the subject of the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Great is an adjective describing the way to learn.
Option B:
Learn is the base form of the verb and does not function as a noun in this sentence.
Option C:
Books are the direct object of the gerund "Reading" but are not the gerund itself.
Option D:
Reading is the verb form ending in -ing that functions as the subject of the sentence, making it the correct answer.
27.
I THINK SHE DOESN'T LIKE TO PLAY SOCCER.
A) CORRECT.
B) INCORRECT.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Gerunds are formed by adding -ing to a verb and can function as the subject of a sentence. In this case, "playing" is a gerund acting as the subject. The statement "I think she doesn't like playing soccer" correctly uses a gerund ("playing") as the subject of the subordinate clause.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct because it accurately identifies that the sentence properly uses a gerund as the subject.
Option B:
Incorrect as the sentence is grammatically correct in its use of a gerund as the subject.
Option C:
All the above is incorrect since only Option A is correct.
Option D:
None of the above is also incorrect because Option A is correct.
28.
In the sentence 'Jogging every morning keeps me fit, ' what role does the gerund play?
A) Indirect Object.
B) Direct Object.
C) Object of the Preposition.
D) Subject.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A gerund functions as a noun and can act as the subject of a sentence. In 'Jogging every morning keeps me fit,' jogging is a verb in its -ing form, serving as the subject of the sentence. It represents an action that performs the role of the subject.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Indirect Object – Incorrect. Gerunds cannot be indirect objects.
Option B:
Direct Object – Incorrect. The gerund is not receiving the action; it is performing it.
Option C:
Object of the Preposition – Incorrect. There is no preposition governing the gerund in this sentence.
Option D:
Subject – Correct. Gerunds can function as subjects, and in this case, jogging (the gerund) acts as the subject of the sentence.
29.
True or False:In this sentence, the word 'sleeping' is a gerund. "My cat is sleeping on the sunny windowsill."
A) True.
B) False.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word 'sleeping' in the sentence "My cat is sleeping on the sunny windowsill" functions as a present participle, not a gerund. A gerund must be used with a form of 'to be' or 'to have' to function as a noun. In this case, 'sleeping' is part of the verb phrase 'is sleeping', indicating an ongoing action.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect because it suggests 'sleeping' is a gerund when it's actually a present participle.
Option B:
Correct as it accurately identifies that 'sleeping' is not a gerund in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect and irrelevant since the correct answer is provided by Option B.
Option D:
Not applicable because there's no need for an additional option when the correct answer is clear.
30.
..... books is one of my favorite hobbies.
A) Reading.
B) Reads.
C) To read.
D) Read.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Gerunds are verb forms that function as nouns and often end in -ing. In the sentence "Reading books is one of my favorite hobbies," "reading" acts as the subject, which makes it a gerund used as a noun.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Reading functions as the subject of the sentence.
Option B:
Incorrect. Reads is in active voice and not functioning as the subject here.
Option C:
Incorrect. To read is a infinitive form, not used as the subject.
Option D:
Incorrect. Read is past tense and not used as the subject here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are gerunds as subjects?
Gerunds as subjects are verb forms ending in -ing that function as the main subject of a sentence. For example, "Running is good for your health." Here, "running" acts as the subject.
Can gerunds be used as objects?
Yes, gerunds can function as objects in sentences. For instance, "I enjoy reading books." In this sentence, "reading" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
How do gerunds differ from infinitives?
Gerunds are formed by adding -ing to a verb and function as nouns, often appearing as subjects or objects. Infinitives, on the other hand, consist of "to" followed by a verb and typically act as adjectives, adverbs, or complements.
Are gerunds always easy to identify?
Identifying gerunds can sometimes be challenging because they look like present participles. However, if a verb form ending in -ing is functioning as the subject or object of a sentence, it is likely a gerund.
Can gerunds appear in complex structures?
Yes, gerunds can be part of more complex grammatical structures. For example, "Playing video games for hours is not good for your eyes." Here, the gerund "playing" is used within a larger structure.