Gerund, Infinitive and Participle Worksheet: Master Verbals with Practice

Navigating the world of gerunds, infinitives, and participles can feel like deciphering a secret code! These versatile verb forms play crucial roles in sentence structure, but they often trip up even seasoned English learners. To help you master these tricky concepts, we’ve created a comprehensive worksheet packed with gerund, infinitive and participle exercises and examples. Dive in and solidify your understanding today!

Understanding Gerunds, Infinitives and Participles

Understanding gerunds, infinitives, and participles is crucial for mastering English grammar. These “verbals” are derived from verbs but function as different parts of speech, which can sometimes be confusing. Here’s a more in-depth explanation:

1. Gerunds:

• Definition:
  • A gerund is a verb form ending in “-ing” that functions as a noun. This means it can take the place of a noun in a sentence.
• Functions:
  • Subject: “Swimming is good exercise.” (Swimming is the subject of the sentence)
  • Direct Object: “I enjoy reading novels.” (Reading is the direct object of the verb “enjoy”)
  • Object of a Preposition: “She is good at painting.” (Painting is the object of the preposition “at”)
  • Subject Complement: “His favorite activity is hiking.” (Hiking complements the subject “activity”)
• Key Points:
  • Gerunds always function as nouns.
  • They can be part of gerund phrases, which include the gerund and its modifiers or complements.

2. Infinitives:

• Definition:
  • An infinitive is typically “to + the base form of a verb.” It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb.
• Functions:
  • Noun: “To learn is essential.” (To learn is the subject)
  • Adjective: “He has a book to read.” (To read modifies the noun “book”)
  • Adverb: “She went to the store to buy milk.” (To buy modifies the verb “went,” indicating purpose)
• Key Points:
  • Infinitives can express purpose, intention, or possibility.
  • Sometimes, the “to” is omitted (bare infinitive), especially after modal verbs (can, should, will) and certain other verbs (make, let).

3. Participles:

• Definition:
  • A participle is a verb form that functions as an adjective, modifying nouns or pronouns.
  • There are two main types:
    • Present Participles: Ending in “-ing” (e.g., running, singing)
    • Past Participles: Usually ending in “-ed,” “-en,” “-t,” or other irregular forms (e.g., walked, broken, built)
• Functions:
  • Adjective: “The running water was cold.” (Running modifies “water”)
  • Participle Phrases: “Having finished her work, she went home.” (Having finished her work modifies “she”)
• Key Points:
  • Participles can create vivid descriptions.
  • They are also used in verb tenses (e.g., present continuous, past perfect).
  • It is very important to understand the difference between a present participle and a Gerund. They both end in “ing” but they serve different functions.

Also Read: Difference Between Gerund, Infinitive and Participle

Gerund, Infinitive and Participle Worksheet

Let us now take a look at the following Gerund, Infinitive and Participle worksheet, which will help you test your knowledge. You can easily save and download this worksheet for future use. We have also provided answers to all the questions in the end.

Check Answers:

a- Circle the correct form of the verbs.

1. It’s important for me to spend time with my friends.
2. Applying to go to university abroad can be complicated.
3. Claudia gave up playing the guitar when she was nine.
4. My teacher wants to give us an assignment.
5. The best thing about weekends is not going to school.
6. I went to England to learn English.
7. I’m in charge of finishing the research project.
8. Olivia is very good at playing soccer.
9. I want to do my homework this afternoon.
10. Be careful to copy all the questions.

a- Complete with the verb in the correct form.

1. She enjoys reading novels in her free time.
2. I hope to visit my grandparents next weekend.
3. He suggested going to the beach for a picnic.
4. They always avoid eating fast food for dinner.
5. We need to buy some groceries before the store closes.
6. He loves to play basketball with his friends on the weekends.
7. They plan on buying a new car next year.
8. We need to finish this project by the end of the week.
9. I regret telling him about the surprise party.
10. He started learning to play the guitar last year.

Tips for Mastering Gerund, Infinitive and Participle

Mastering gerunds, infinitives, and participles requires consistent effort and a strategic approach. Here are some effective tips to help you achieve fluency in using these verbals and solve gerund, infinitive and participle worksheet:

1. Understand the Basic Functions:

• Gerunds (Verb + -ing): Remember they function as nouns.
• Infinitives (to + Verb): Understand they can act as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.
• Participles (Present: Verb + -ing; Past: Verb + -ed/-en): Recognize they function as adjectives.

2. Learn the Usage Patterns:

• Gerunds:
  • After certain verbs (e.g., enjoy, avoid, suggest, mind, finish).
  • As the subject or object of a sentence.
  • After prepositions.
• Infinitives:
  • To express purpose.
  • After certain verbs (e.g., want, need, agree, decide).
  • After adjectives.
  • As the subject or object of a sentence.
• Participles:
  • To describe nouns.
  • In participle phrases.
  • In perfect and progressive tenses.

3. Practice with Sentence Examples:

• Read examples of gerunds, infinitives, and participles in context.
• Write your own sentences using these verbals.
• Analyse sentences to identify the function of each verbal.

4. Use Worksheets and Exercises:

• Complete various worksheets and exercises to reinforce your understanding.
• Focus on identifying and using verbals correctly in different contexts.
• Pay close attention to the answer keys and explanations.

5. Read Extensively:

• Read books, articles, and other materials in English.
• Pay attention to how authors use gerunds, infinitives, and participles.
• Note down examples and analyse their usage.

6. Listen to Native Speakers:

• Listen to podcasts, watch movies, and engage in conversations with native English speakers.
• Pay attention to how they use verbals in spoken English.
• Try to mimic their pronunciation and intonation.

7. Practice Speaking and Writing:

• Incorporate gerunds, infinitives, and participles into your own speaking and writing.
• Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; they are part of the learning process.
• Seek feedback from native speakers or language tutors.

8. Focus on Common Mistakes:

• Identify common errors in using verbals and practice avoiding them.
• Pay attention to the verbs that typically require gerunds or infinitives.
• Pay close attention to the difference between present participles used as adjectives, and Gerunds.

9. Use Flashcards and Memory Aids:

• Create flashcards with examples of gerunds, infinitives, and participles.
• Use mnemonic devices to remember usage patterns and rules.

10. Review Regularly:

• Review your notes and examples regularly to reinforce your learning.
• Practice using verbals in different contexts to solidify your understanding.

11. Break it Down:

• If you are having real difficulty, take each verbal type separately. Master Gerunds, then infinitives, then participles.

12. Seek Feedback:

• Find a native speaker or English teacher and ask them to review your written work.
• Ask them to correct your spoken English.

By following these tips, you can effectively master gerunds, infinitives, and participles and enhance your overall English language skills.

Also Read: What is a Verbal Noun? Definition and Examples with Quiz

Common Mistakes While Solving Gerund, Infinitive and Participle Worksheet and How to Avoid Them

Understanding gerunds, infinitives, and participles can be tricky, as they all involve verb forms that function differently in sentences. Here’s a breakdown of common mistakes and how to avoid them while solving Gerund, Infinitive and Participle worksheet:

1. Gerunds (-ing form as a noun)

• Common Mistakes:
  • Using an infinitive instead of a gerund after certain verbs and prepositions.
    • Example: Incorrect: “I enjoy to swim.” Correct: “I enjoy swimming.”
    • Example: Incorrect: “She is good at to sing.” Correct: “She is good at singing.”
  • Confusing gerunds with present participles.
    • Gerunds act as nouns, while present participles act as adjectives or form part of continuous verb tenses.
    • Example: “Swimming is good exercise.” (gerund – noun) vs. “She is swimming now.” (present participle – verb tense)
• How to Avoid Them:
  • Memorise verbs and prepositions that typically require gerunds (e.g., enjoy, avoid, consider, after, before, by, in).
  • Pay attention to the function of the -ing form in the sentence. If it’s the subject or object, it’s likely a gerund.
  • Practice identifying gerunds in various contexts.

2. Infinitives (to + verb)

• Common Mistakes:
  • Using a gerund instead of an infinitive after certain verbs.
    • Example: Incorrect: “I want going.” Correct: “I want to go.”
  • Omitting “to” in certain infinitive constructions (especially after modal verbs).
    • However, remember that after modal verbs like can, may, must, the “to” is omitted.
    • Example: I can to go. Incorrect. I can go. Correct.
  • Incorrectly using “bare infinitives” (infinitive without “to”).
    • Bare infinitives are used after verbs like “let,” “make,” “see,” and “hear” in active voice.
    • Example: “They made him to do it.” Incorrect. “They made him do it.” Correct.
• How to Avoid Them:
  • Learn verbs that typically require infinitives (e.g., want, need, agree, decide, hope).
  • Understand the use of bare infinitives and when they are appropriate.
  • Be mindful of the purpose of the infinitive (e.g., expressing purpose, intention).

3. Participles (present -ing, past -ed/-en)

• Common Mistakes:
  • Confusing present and past participles.
    • Present participles (e.g., running, singing) describe an ongoing action or have an active meaning.
    • Past participles (e.g., broken, written) describe a completed action or have a passive meaning.
    • Example: “The breaking window.” Incorrect. “The broken window.” Correct.
  • Misusing participles as verbs without auxiliary verbs.
    • Participles cannot form verb tenses on their own.
    • Example: “He running.” Incorrect. “He is running.” Correct.
  • Dangling participles.
    • This is when the participle phrase does not clearly modify the noun it is intended to.
    • Example: “Running down the stairs, the door opened.” Incorrect. “Running down the stairs, he opened the door.” Correct.
• How to Avoid Them:
  • Practice identifying present and past participles and their functions.
  • Ensure that participle phrases modify the correct noun in the sentence.
  • When using participle phrases, make sure the subject of the phrase is clearly defined.
  • Pay attention to the voice (active or passive) when choosing between present and past participles.

Benefits of Mastering Verbals

Verbals are crucial components of English grammar that allow for more nuanced and sophisticated expression. They bridge the gap between verbs and other parts of speech, offering versatility and precision. Here’s a comprehensive look at their benefits:

1. Improved Writing:

• Enhanced Sentence Variety:
  • Verbals allow you to create complex and varied sentence structures, moving beyond simple subject-verb constructions.
  • Instead of multiple short sentences, you can use verbals to combine ideas and create more fluid and engaging prose.
  • Example: Instead of “He likes to swim. He also likes to run,” you can write, “He enjoys swimming and running.”
• Increased Precision and Conciseness:
  • Verbals can express ideas more efficiently, reducing wordiness and improving clarity.
  • They allow you to pack more information into a single sentence, making your writing more impactful.
  • Example: Instead of “The man who was running was tired,” you can write, “The running man was tired.”
• Elevated Formal Writing:
  • In academic and professional writing, verbals add a layer of sophistication and formality.
  • They demonstrate a strong command of grammar and enhance the overall quality of your writing.
  • They are very useful in report writing, and essay writing.

2. Enhanced Speaking:

• Increased Fluency:
  • Understanding and using verbals allows you to speak more smoothly and naturally.
  • You can connect ideas and express yourself more effectively, reducing pauses and hesitations.
  • Practicing verbals helps you think in English, improving your overall fluency.
• Improved Accuracy:
  • Using verbals correctly ensures that your spoken English is grammatically accurate.
  • This enhances clarity and reduces the risk of miscommunication.
  • Using verbals in correct context, avoids many common speaking errors.
• More Expressive Communication:
  • Verbals allow you to convey subtle nuances and express a wider range of ideas in spoken English.
  • You can use them to express purpose, describe actions, and add detail to your speech.

3. Better Comprehension:

• Improved Reading Comprehension:
  • Recognizing verbals helps you understand complex sentence structures in written English.
  • You can identify the relationships between different parts of a sentence, improving your ability to extract meaning.
  • When reading complex documents, like legal or scientific documents, the understanding of verbals is extremely important.
• Enhanced Listening Comprehension:
  • Understanding verbals allows you to follow spoken English more easily, especially in formal or academic settings.
  • You can recognize and interpret complex sentence structures in lectures, presentations, and conversations.
• Ability to Decipher Complex Sentences:
  • Many complex sentences contain verbals. Being able to recognise them, allows the reader or listener to quickly understand the meaning of the sentence.

4. Test Preparation:

• Success in Standardized Tests:
  • Standardised English tests, such as TOEFL, IELTS, and SAT, often include questions on verbals.
  • Mastering verbals is essential for achieving high scores in these tests.
  • Many grammatical sections of these tests, specifically test the understanding of verbals.
• Improved Grammar Scores:
  • A strong understanding of verbals significantly improves your overall grammar skills, which is reflected in test scores.
  • Verbals are a core part of advanced English grammar.

5. Cognitive Benefits:

• Enhanced Analytical Skills:
  • Learning to identify and use verbals requires analytical thinking and attention to detail.
  • This improves your cognitive abilities and strengthens your understanding of language structure.
• Improved Logical Thinking:
  • Using verbals correctly, requires the student to think logically about how the parts of the sentence relate to each other.
• Increased Linguistic Awareness:
  • Mastering verbals increases your overall linguistic awareness, enabling you to better understand how languages function.

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