Multiple Choice Question
Which of the following sentences contains a gerund phrase that functions as the direct object of the sentence?
a) She promised to try harder next time.
b) The children enjoy playing with their toys.
c) He wants to travel to Europe this summer.
d) I told the kids to dress quickly.
b) The children enjoy playing with their toys.
Explanation: A gerund phrase can function as the subject or the direct object of a sentence. In this case, "playing with their toys" is the gerund phrase that functions as the direct object of the verb "enjoy."
She enjoys to dance at parties.
She enjoys dancing at parties.
Explanation: The verb "enjoy" is often followed by a gerund, not an infinitive.
The teacher recommended ________ more practice problems to improve their math skills.
doing
Explanation: In this sentence, "doing" is a gerund that functions as the direct object of the verb "recommended." The phrase "more practice problems" indicates what the subject should do in order to improve their math skills.
Which of the following sentences contains an infinitive phrase that functions as the subject of the sentence?
a) To learn a new language takes patience and persistence.
b) Studying hard can help you achieve your goals.
c) To play tennis well requires practice and skill.
d) It is important to exercise regularly for good health.
(a) "To learn a new language takes patience and persistence."
In this sentence, "to learn a new language" is an infinitive phrase that functions as the subject of the sentence. It is the thing that "takes patience and persistence." In contrast, the other options all contain verb phrases where the subject is a noun or pronoun, and the infinitive phrases are used to modify the verbs or act as objects.
I look forward to attend the conference next week.
I look forward to attending the conference next week.
Explanation: The phrase "look forward to" is often followed by a gerund, not an infinitive.
She regrets ________ her car keys at home.
leaving
Explanation: In this sentence, "leaving" is a gerund that functions as the direct object of the verb "regrets." The phrase "her car keys at home" indicates what action the subject regrets doing.
Which of the following sentences contains an infinitive phrase that functions as the object of the verb?
a) The teacher encouraged her students to ask questions.
b) He apologized for forgetting her birthday.
c) She decided to study abroad next year.
d) I love listening to music while I work.
(a) "The teacher encouraged her students to ask questions."
In this sentence, "to ask questions" is an infinitive phrase that functions as the object of the verb "encouraged." It is the thing that the teacher encouraged her students to do. The other options all contain infinitive phrases, but they are used as complements of other verbs or as modifiers of nouns or pronouns.
She admitted to forget her friend's birthday.
She admitted forgetting her friend's birthday.
Explanation: The verb "admitted" is often followed by a gerund, not an infinitive.
He admitted ________ the mistake to his boss.
making
Explanation: In this sentence, "making" is a gerund that functions as the direct object of the verb "admitted." The phrase "the mistake" indicates what action the subject admitted to doing.
Would you like joining us?
Would you like to join us?
The verb 'join' comes after the common verb 'would like to'. Therefore, the correct form is 'join'.
The company decided ________ a new product line despite the economic downturn.
to launch
Explanation: In this sentence, "to launch" is an infinitive that functions as the direct object of the verb "decided." The phrase "a new product line" indicates what action the company decided to take, despite the difficult economic conditions.
We have no choice but cancelling the trip because of the bad weather.
We have no choice but to cancel the trip because of the bad weather.
Explanation: The phrase "no choice but to" is often followed by an infinitive with "to."
The team was disappointed ________ the championship game, but they vowed ________ even harder next year.
losing, to work
Explanation: In this sentence, "losing" is a gerund that functions as the direct object of the verb "disappointed." The phrase "the championship game" indicates what action the team was disappointed about. "To work" is an infinitive that functions as the direct object of the verb "vowed." The phrase "even harder next year" indicates what action the team promised to take