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Gerunds – Quiz 1
Gerunds Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the ability to identify and use gerunds in various sentence structures, including their roles as direct objects, subjects, and predicate nouns. It also assesses understanding of gerund functions and their distinction from other -ing words.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
How do you say "Yo nunca me preocupo de llegar a los lugares puntualmente" in English?
A) I never worry to get places on time.
B) I never worry about getting places on time.
C) I worry about getting places on time.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) I never worry about getting places on time.
This sentence uses the gerund "worrying" as a noun, which fits well with the original Spanish sentence structure. The phrase "I never worry about" directly translates to "Yo nunca me preocupo de," and "getting places on time" accurately conveys "llegar a los lugares puntualmente."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect because it uses the infinitive form "to get," which does not match the gerund structure in Spanish.
Option B:
Correct as explained above.
Option C:
Incorrect because it changes the meaning by adding a negative action that is not present in the original sentence.
Option D:
Incorrect as option B is correct.
2.
Rhonda's favorite summer activity is going skiing and hiking at Patoka Lake. How is the gerund or gerund phrase funtioning?
A) Subject.
B) Object.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The gerund "going" functions as the object in this sentence because it receives the action of the verb "is." In English, a gerund can act as an object when used with certain verbs like "be," "seem," or "remain."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Subject - Incorrect. Gerunds cannot function as subjects in this sentence.
Option B:
Object - Correct. The gerund "going" acts as the object receiving the verb "is."
Option C:
All the above - Incorrect. Gerunds do not function as subjects here.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect. Option B is correct.
3.
Flying makes me nervous.
A) Gerund as an object.
B) Gerund as a subject.
C) None of them.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A gerund is a verb form that functions as a noun, often ending in -ing and used as the subject or object of a sentence. In "Flying makes me nervous," "flying" acts as the subject of the sentence. Therefore, this example correctly identifies a gerund as a subject.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Gerund as an object - Incorrect; flying is not the object but the subject.
Option B:
Gerund as a subject - Correct; "flying" functions as the subject of the sentence.
Option C:
None of them - Incorrect; option B is correct.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect; option B is correct.
4.
What is the function of the gerund in the sentence:We gave our consent in writing.
A) Object of the preposition.
B) Subject.
C) Direct object.
D) Indirect object.
E) Predicate noun.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The gerund in the sentence "We gave our consent in writing" is "writing." It functions as the object of the preposition "in."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The gerund "writing" is the object of the preposition "in."
Option B:
Incorrect. Gerunds are not typically subjects in sentences.
Option C:
Incorrect. The gerund is not the direct object here; it modifies the preposition "in."
Option D:
Incorrect. There is no indirect object in this sentence.
Option E:
Incorrect. Gerunds are not predicate nouns in this context.
5.
THE GERUNG OF:LIE
A) LYIING.
B) TO LYING.
C) TO LIE.
D) LYING.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A gerund is a verb form that ends in -ing and functions as a noun. In the phrase "THE GERUNG OF:LIE," we are looking for a word that uses "lie" as a gerund, which means it should be "lying." Therefore, option D) LYING is correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Not a valid gerund form of lie.
Option B:
Incorrect grammatical structure for a gerund.
Option C:
Incorrect verb form, not a gerund.
Option D:
Correct gerund form of "lie."
6.
I'm thinking of painting my house.
A) Painting.
B) I'm.
C) House.
D) Thinking.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I'm thinking of painting my house" contains a gerund, which is the -ing form of a verb used as a noun. In this case, "painting" functions as the object of the preposition "of." Therefore, option A) Painting is correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Painting" is a gerund and the direct object of the preposition "of."
Option B:
Incorrect. "I'm" is a contraction, not a gerund.
Option C:
Incorrect. "House" is a noun, not a gerund.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Thinking" is the -ing form of a verb but functions as an adjective in this sentence, modifying "I'm."
7.
Determine if the sentence that has gerund is used as a subject, subjective complement, object of the preposition, direct object or appositive."Writing news article is his forte."
A) SUBJECT.
B) APPOSITIVE.
C) SUBJECTIVE COMPLEMENT.
D) DIRECT OBJECT.
E) OBJECT OF THE PREPOSITION.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Writing news article is his forte." contains a gerund, which is the verb form ending in -ing used as a noun. In this case, "Writing" functions as the subject of the sentence. The subject is what the sentence is about, and here it introduces the topic of discussion.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Writing news article" acts as the subject.
Option B:
Incorrect. An appositive renames or explains a noun but does not introduce the main topic.
Option C:
Incorrect. The subjective complement follows a linking verb and renames or describes the subject, which is not applicable here.
Option D:
Incorrect. Direct objects receive the action of the verb, but "Writing news article" does not receive any action in this sentence.
Option E:
Incorrect. The object of a preposition typically follows a preposition and is not present in this sentence structure.
8.
Eating ice cream on a hot day can be a good way to cool off.
A) Hot.
B) Cool.
C) Day.
D) Eating.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Eating ice cream on a hot day can be a good way to cool off" contains the gerund "Eating." A gerund is a verb form that functions as a noun, and in this case, it refers to the action of eating.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Hot - Describes the weather but not the gerund.
Option B:
Cool - Describes the effect but not the gerund.
Option C:
Day - Describes the time of day but not the gerund.
Option D:
Eating - The verb form functioning as a noun, which is the correct answer.
9.
Identify the gerund.They called her playing brilliant.
A) They.
B) Called.
C) Playing.
D) Brilliant.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The gerund in the sentence "They called her playing brilliant" is
playing
. A gerund is a verb form that ends in -ing and functions as a noun. In this case, "playing" acts as the object of the verb "called."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
They - Subject pronoun.
Option B:
Called - Past tense verb.
Option C:
Playing - Gerund, functioning as a noun.
Option D:
Brilliant - Adjective describing the gerund "playing."
10.
How is the gerund/gerund phrase functioning in the sentence?The coach suggested practicing free throws every day to improve their accuracy.
A) Object of the preposition.
B) Subject complement.
C) Subject.
D) Direct object.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The gerund "practicing free throws" functions as the direct object in this sentence. It receives the action of the verb "suggested."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Gerund/gerund phrase is not functioning as the object of a preposition.
Option B:
Gerund/gerund phrase is not serving as a subject complement.
Option C:
Gerund/gerund phrase is not acting as the subject of the sentence.
Option D:
Correct. "Practicing free throws" is receiving the action of the verb "suggested," making it the direct object.
11.
Identify the function of the gerund or gerund phrase in each sentence:Watching his impossibly high leaps was an unforgettable experience.
A) Subject Complement.
B) Object of the Preposition.
C) Subject.
D) Direct Object.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The gerund "Watching his impossibly high leaps" functions as the subject of the sentence. It is a verb form ending in -ing that acts like a noun, serving as the main topic being discussed.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Subject Complement – Incorrect. The gerund does not rename or describe the subject "Watching his impossibly high leaps" but functions as the subject itself.
Option B:
Object of the Preposition – Incorrect. There is no preposition governing this gerund in the sentence.
Option C:
Subject – Correct. The gerund phrase "Watching his impossibly high leaps" acts as the subject, performing the action and being the main focus of the sentence.
Option D:
Direct Object – Incorrect. There is no direct object receiving the action in this sentence; instead, the gerund itself is the subject.
12.
What is the function of the gerund in the following sentence? We're excited about visiting Hawaii.
A) Object of a preposition.
B) Subject.
C) Direct Object.
D) Predicate noun.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The gerund in the sentence "We're excited about visiting Hawaii" is "visiting," which functions as the object of the preposition "about." A gerund is a verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun. In this case, it is receiving the preposition "about."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The gerund "visiting" is indeed the object of the preposition "about."
Option B:
Incorrect. Gerunds do not function as subjects in sentences.
Option C:
Incorrect. Gerunds are not direct objects; they can be part of a prepositional phrase acting as an object of a preposition.
Option D:
Incorrect. Gerunds are not predicate nouns; they function as nouns in the sentence.
13.
In the sentence 'My biggest challenge is finishing all my homework, ' what is the job of the gerund phrase 'finishing all my homework'?
A) It's the subject of the sentence.
B) It's a direct object.
C) It's an object of a preposition.
D) It's a predicate nominative that renames the subject.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The gerund phrase 'finishing all my homework' functions as a predicate nominative in this sentence, renaming the subject 'My biggest challenge.' A predicate nominative renames or identifies the subject of the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The gerund phrase is not the subject but rather part of the predicate.
Option B:
Incorrect. The gerund phrase is not a direct object; it renames the subject.
Option C:
Incorrect. While the gerund phrase could be an object of a preposition in other sentences, here it functions as a predicate nominative.
Option D:
Correct. The gerund phrase 'finishing all my homework' renames the subject 'My biggest challenge,' making it a predicate nominative.
14.
I am bored ..... doing the same activity all the time.
A) To.
B) With.
C) For.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I am bored ... doing the same activity all the time" uses a gerund, which is a verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun. In this context, "doing" is a gerund acting as the object of the preposition "with." Therefore, option B) With is correct because it properly introduces the gerund "doing."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
To - Incorrect; "to" does not introduce a gerund in this context.
Option B:
With - Correct; "with" introduces the gerund "doing."
Option C:
For - Incorrect; "for" is not used to introduce a gerund here.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect since option B is correct.
15.
Read the sentence:'My friend avoids eating anything too spicy.' What is the grammatical function of the gerund phrase 'eating anything too spicy'?
A) It acts as the object of a preposition.
B) It acts as the subject of the verb 'avoids.'.
C) It acts as a predicate nominative after a linking verb.
D) It acts as the direct object of the verb 'avoids.'.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The gerund phrase 'eating anything too spicy' acts as the direct object of the verb 'avoids.' In this sentence, 'avoiding' is a linking verb that connects to the gerund 'eating,' making it the direct object. The subject 'My friend' performs the action of avoiding.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Gerund phrases cannot act as objects of prepositions in this context.
Option B:
Incorrect. The gerund phrase is not the subject but a direct object.
Option C:
Incorrect. There is no linking verb here; 'avoids' is an action verb.
Option D:
Correct. 'Eating anything too spicy' directly receives the action of 'avoiding,' making it the direct object.
16.
Identify the gerund. If there are no gerunds, choose none.Walking is good exercise.
A) Walking.
B) Is.
C) Good.
D) Exercise.
E) None.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A gerund is a verb form that functions as a noun. In the sentence "Walking is good exercise," the word "Walking" is used as the subject of the sentence and acts like a noun, making it a gerund.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Walking" is a verb form functioning as a noun (gerund).
Option B:
Incorrect. "Is" is a linking verb.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Good" is an adjective describing the gerund "Walking."
Option D:
Incorrect. "Exercise" is a noun, not a gerund.
Option E:
Not applicable since Option A is correct.
17.
I'm bad ..... singing, I should take a different class.
A) For.
B) Of.
C) In.
D) At.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I'm bad ..... singing, I should take a different class." uses the gerund "singing" as the subject of the infinitive phrase "to take a different class." The preposition that correctly introduces this gerund is "at," making "D) At" the correct answer. This usage indicates an action or activity.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
For - Incorrect, as "for" does not introduce a gerund in this context.
Option B:
Of - Incorrect, as "of" is not used to introduce gerunds.
Option C:
In - Incorrect, as "in" is not the preposition that introduces a gerund here.
Option D:
At - Correct, as "at" properly introduces the gerund "singing."
18.
The seagulls gliding through the air looked like pieces of paper caught in the wind.
A) Gerund.
B) Participle.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "gliding through the air" is a present participle acting as an adjective, modifying "seagulls." It describes how the seagulls are moving in the sky, comparing them to pieces of paper caught in the wind. This usage does not involve a gerund.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Gerunds are nouns formed from verbs (e.g., "running," "swimming"). The phrase is not functioning as a noun here, so this option is incorrect.
Option B:
Correct. "Gliding" is a present participle modifying "seagulls." This makes the claim correct.
Option C:
Since only Option B is correct, this option is incorrect.
Option D:
Incorrect because there is a correct answer among the options provided.
19.
In the sentence 'Running is a good exercise', the word 'Running' is used as a gerund.
A) True.
B) False.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A gerund is a verb form that functions as a noun, and it always ends in -ing. In the sentence "Running is a good exercise," the word "Running" acts as a noun referring to the act of running. Therefore, the claimed correct answer is true.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
True.
Option B:
False. Incorrect because "Running" is indeed a gerund in this sentence.
Option C:
All the above. Incorrect as only Option A is correct.
Option D:
None of the above. Incorrect since Option A is true.
20.
I don't mind ..... the cleanup after the party.
A) To do.
B) Doing.
C) Both.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Doing.
In this sentence, "doing" functions as a gerund, which is a verb form that acts as a noun. The phrase "I don't mind doing the cleanup after the party" uses "doing" to refer to the action of performing the task.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"To do" introduces a infinitive, which is not used in this context.
Option B:
"Doing" correctly functions as a gerund, making it the right choice.
Option C:
Both implies using two options together, which is incorrect here.
Option D:
None of the above is not applicable since option B is correct.
21.
True or False:The following sentence uses correct subject-verb agreement:'Baking dozens of cookies take up the entire afternoon.'
A) True.
B) False.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Baking dozens of cookies take up the entire afternoon." uses a gerund (baking) as the subject, which requires a singular verb form to agree with it. Therefore, the correct form should be "Baking dozens of cookies takes up the entire afternoon."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect because the sentence does not use correct subject-verb agreement.
Option B:
Correct as it identifies the error in subject-verb agreement.
Option C:
Not applicable since only one option is correct.
Option D:
Not applicable since a correct answer exists among the options provided.
22.
Identify the function of the gerund.Breaking up is hard to do.
A) Predicate nominative.
B) Object of the preposition.
C) Subject.
D) Direct object.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The function of the gerund "Breaking up" in the sentence is to serve as the subject. A gerund functions like a noun and can act as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. In this case, it introduces the main idea of the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Predicate nominative - Incorrect; predicate nominatives are not introduced by gerunds.
Option B:
Object of the preposition - Incorrect; there is no preposition governing "Breaking up" in this sentence.
Option C:
Subject - Correct; the gerund "Breaking up" functions as the subject of the sentence, introducing the main action or idea.
Option D:
Direct object - Incorrect; there is no direct object receiving the action in this sentence.
23.
What is the function of the gerund in the sentence:An activity that is good for your heart is walking.
A) Predicate noun.
B) Subject.
C) Indirect object.
D) Object of the preposition.
E) Direct object.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The gerund in the sentence "An activity that is good for your heart is walking" functions as a predicate noun. The gerund form of the verb "walk" is used here to act as the subject complement, renaming or describing what "activity" is.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Gerunds can function as predicate nouns by naming or describing the subject.
Option B:
Incorrect. The gerund does not serve as the main subject of the sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect. There is no indirect object in this sentence.
Option D:
Incorrect. The gerund is not the object of a preposition here.
Option E:
Incorrect. The gerund does not directly receive the action and thus cannot be an object.
24.
They called her playing brilliant.
A) They.
B) Called.
C) Playing.
D) Brilliant.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "They called her playing brilliant" contains a gerund, which is a verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun. In this case, "playing" is the subject of the sentence and acts as a noun. Therefore, the correct answer is C) Playing.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
They - This refers to the subject performing the action.
Option B:
Called - This is the verb in the sentence but not the gerund.
Option C:
Playing - This is the gerund acting as the subject of the sentence and noun.
Option D:
Brilliant - This describes "playing" and acts as an adjective.
25.
Piling too much laundry into a washing machine was causing it to malfunction.
A) Piling too much.
B) Was causing it to malfunction.
C) Washing machine.
D) Piling too much laundry into a washing machine.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Piling too much laundry into a washing machine.
This option correctly identifies the gerund phrase "Piling too much laundry into a washing machine" 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 clause's subject.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This option only includes part of the gerund phrase "Piling too much," missing the full action. It is incomplete.
Option B:
This option describes the result, not the cause, making it incorrect in this context.
Option C:
This option names a noun but does not capture the gerund phrase that functions as the subject of the sentence.
Option D:
This is the correct answer because "Piling too much laundry into a washing machine" is a complete gerund phrase serving as the subject of the sentence, indicating the action causing the malfunction.
26.
Identify the gerund. If there are no gerunds, choose none.I am tired of working.
A) I.
B) Am.
C) Tired.
D) Working.
E) None.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Gerunds are verb forms ending in -ing that function as nouns. In the sentence "I am tired of working," the word "working" is a gerund because it is derived from the verb "work" and acts as the object of the preposition "of."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Irrelevant to the question.
Option B:
Irrelevant to the question.
Option C:
Irrelevant to the question.
Option D:
Correct. "Working" is a gerund in this sentence.
Option E:
Not applicable since there is a correct answer.
27.
..... is necessary for your health.
A) Dancing.
B) Exercising.
C) Cooking.
D) Reading.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Gerunds are used to form verbs that function as nouns, and in this context, "Exercising" is the correct answer because it functions as a noun in the sentence. It refers to the action of exercising, which is necessary for health.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Dancing does not fit grammatically here as well as exercising.
Option B:
Exercising is correct as it functions as a gerund and makes the sentence meaningful.
Option C:
Cooking, while beneficial, does not form a proper gerund in this context.
Option D:
Reading, though important, does not fit grammatically here as well as exercising.
28.
True or False:In the sentence 'They talked about moving to a new city', 'moving' is a gerund.
A) True.
B) False.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A gerund is a verb form that ends in -ing and functions as a noun. In the sentence 'They talked about moving to a new city', 'moving' is indeed a gerund because it is derived from the verb 'move', ends in -ing, and acts as the object of the preposition 'about'.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. 'Moving' functions as a noun (gerund) in this sentence.
Option B:
Incorrect. 'Moving' is not just a participle but a gerund here.
Option C:
Incorrect. Only one option can be correct for true/false questions.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
29.
Martin inmediately began ..... the party.
A) Starting.
B) Talking.
C) Planning.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Martin immediately began ... the party" uses a gerund, which is a verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun. The correct answer is
C) Planning.
This option uses "planning," a gerund, indicating an action Martin started doing right away.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Starting does not use a gerund and would be in the base form of the verb.
Option B:
Talking is also a base form of the verb, not a gerund.
Option C:
Planning uses a gerund, correctly indicating an action Martin began doing immediately.
Option D:
None of the above would be incorrect since planning fits the criteria.
30.
My parents are excited ..... visiting their grandchildren.
A) With.
B) About.
C) For.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) About.
The phrase "My parents are excited about visiting their grandchildren" uses a gerund, which is the -ing form of a verb used as a noun. In this context, "visiting" functions as the object of the preposition "about," indicating the topic or reason for excitement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"With" does not fit grammatically in this sentence structure.
Option B:
Correct. Uses a gerund as an object of preposition.
Option C:
"For" typically introduces purpose or reason, but not the topic itself here.
Option D:
Not applicable; option B is correct.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are gerunds, and how do they function in sentences?
Gerunds are verb forms ending in -ing that function as nouns. They can act as the subject of a sentence, the direct object, or the object of a preposition, serving various roles such as predicate nouns.
Can gerunds and infinitives be used interchangeably in sentences?
Gerunds and infinitives are not always interchangeable. While both can function as the subject or object of a sentence, they differ in form (gerunds end in -ing, while infinitives begin with "to" followed by a verb). Their interchangeability depends on the specific context and meaning.
How do gerund phrases function as subjects in sentences?
Gerund phrases, which consist of a gerund and its modifiers, can serve as the subject of a sentence. They provide more detail about what action is being performed or describe the activity that the subject is engaged in.
What are some common functions of gerunds in sentences?
Gerunds can function as direct objects, object of prepositions, or subjects. They often describe actions that the subject is performing and can be used to add detail or emphasis to a sentence.
How do gerunds differ from participles in sentences?
Gerunds are verb forms ending in -ing that function as nouns, while participles (also ending in -ing) act as adjectives. Gerunds can be the subject or object of a sentence, whereas participles modify nouns or pronouns and describe their state or action.