English Grammar Test English Grammar Gerund 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sentence uses a gerund as the object of a preposition?
- She decided to leave early.
- He is good at solving puzzles. (Correct answer)
- They want to travel abroad.
- We must finish the project.
Correct answer: He is good at solving puzzles.
In 'good at solving puzzles,' 'solving' is a gerund functioning as the object of the preposition 'at.'
Question 2: In 'I look forward to meeting you,' what is 'meeting'?
- An infinitive
- A present participle
- A gerund (Correct answer)
- An adjective
Correct answer: A gerund
'Meeting' is a gerund serving as the object of the preposition 'to' in the phrasal verb 'look forward to.'
Question 3: Which verb is followed by a gerund, not an infinitive?
- hope
- want
- avoid (Correct answer)
- decide
Correct answer: avoid
'Avoid' always takes a gerund as its object (e.g., 'avoid making mistakes'), not an infinitive.
Question 4: Identify the gerund phrase in: 'Running every morning keeps him healthy.'
- Running every morning (Correct answer)
- every morning
- keeps him
- him healthy
Correct answer: Running every morning
'Running every morning' is the gerund phrase acting as the subject of the sentence.
Question 5: Which sentence contains an error in gerund usage?
- She enjoys reading novels.
- He admitted stealing the money.
- They practice to speak Spanish. (Correct answer)
- We discussed going on a trip.
Correct answer: They practice to speak Spanish.
'Practice' requires a gerund, so the correct form is 'practice speaking,' not 'practice to speak.'
Question 6: What is the function of 'swimming' in: 'Swimming is her favorite hobby'?
- Subject (Correct answer)
- Direct object
- Predicate adjective
- Object of a preposition
Correct answer: Subject
'Swimming' acts as the subject of the sentence, a classic gerund function.
Question 7: Which sentence correctly uses a possessive before a gerund?
- I appreciate you helping me.
- I appreciate your helping me. (Correct answer)
- I appreciate you're helping me.
- I appreciate yours helping me.
Correct answer: I appreciate your helping me.
In formal grammar, a possessive adjective ('your') should precede a gerund ('helping').
English Grammar Test English Grammar Gerund 2
Which sentence uses a gerund as the object of a preposition?