Definitions
What is a gerund?
A gerund is a verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun.
Identify the gerund phrase in the sentence:
Swimming in the ocean is my favorite activity.
Swimming in the ocean
What is the role of the gerund phrase in this sentence? Dancing at the party was exciting.
Subject
Identify the infinitive phrase in the sentence: She loves to sing in the choir.
To sing in the choir
What is the role of the infinitive in this sentence? To dance is her passion.
Noun
What does it mean when a gerund acts as a predicate nominative?
A gerund acts as a predicate nominative when it follows the verb to be.
Identify the gerund phrase: She enjoys baking cakes for her friends.
Baking cakes for her friends
What is the role of the gerund phrase in this sentence? She enjoys reading mystery novels.
Direct object
Identify the infinitive phrase: To travel the world is my biggest dream.
To travel the world
What is the role of the infinitive in this sentence? She left early to avoid traffic.
Adverb
What does it mean when a gerund acts as the object of a preposition?
A gerund is the object of a preposition when it follows a preposition
Identify the gerund phrase: His loud snoring kept everyone awake.
His loud snoring
What is the role of the gerund phrase in this sentence? Her favorite hobby is painting landscapes.
Predicate nominative
Identify the infinitive phrase: He tried to fix the broken computer.
To fix the broken computer
What is the role of the infinitive in this sentence? The person to blame is Jack.
Adjective
What is an infinitive?
An infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by to (e.g., to run, to eat, to learn) that can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb.
Identify the gerund phrase: I regret not studying for the test earlier.
Not studying for the test earlier
What is the role of the gerund phrase in this sentence? He apologized for interrupting the meeting.
Object of preposition
Identify the infinitive phrase: The teacher assigned us a book to read over the summer.
To read over the summer
What is the role of the infinitive in this sentence? His dream is to become a doctor.
Noun
What are the three roles of an infinitive?
What are the key questions to ask?
An infinitive can act as a noun (what), an adjective (after a noun), or an adverb (why).
Identify the gerund phrase: Winning the championship after years of hard work felt incredible.
Winning the championship after years of hard work
What is the role of the gerund phrase in this sentence? Watching documentaries helps expand knowledge.
Subject
Identify the infinitive phrase: She ran to catch the last bus.
To catch the last bus
What is the role of the infinitive in this sentence? She found a book to read and enjoy on vacation.
Adjective