Participles and gerunds

Two verb forms can do another word's job.

A participle is a verb form used as an adjective (describing a noun): the living root bridges, a striking contrast, the surrounding rugged land.

Two kinds:

• present participles end in -ing and describe something going on: the glowing waters, a falling leaf, the amazing view;
• past participles usually end in -ed, -d, -t, -en or -n and describe something finished: finely carved wheels, scattered islands, parked vehicles.

A gerund is a verb form used as a noun. It always ends in -ing: 'Crossing the many waterways without bridges was difficult.' (Crossing is the thing that was difficult.)

Where gerunds go:

• as the subject: 'Swimming is my favourite hobby';
• after 'is': 'Her passion is painting';
• as the object of a verb: 'I enjoy reading books';
• after a preposition: 'interested in learning new languages';
• after certain verbs: 'Shekar avoided talking about it'.

The test. Present participles and gerunds both end in -ing, so look at the job:

• describing a noun → participle;
• acting as a noun → gerund.

Try it:

• 'Dancing is a great way to express emotions' → gerund (the subject);
• 'The falling leaves signalled autumn' → participle (describes the leaves);
• 'He watched the shimmering stars' → participle;
• 'Reading helps improve your vocabulary' → gerund.

Joining sentences:

• 'Smitha walked carelessly. She slipped on the doormat.' → 'Walking carelessly, Smitha slipped on the doormat.'
• 'Sleep for eight hours. It is good for health.' → 'Sleeping for eight hours is good for health.'