Mastering Verb -ing Rules (Grade 8 ELA)
A Grade 8 ELA worksheet focusing on the correct usage and formation of verbs ending in -ing, covering present participles and gerunds.
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Mastering Verb -ing Rules
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Read each question carefully and follow the instructions provided. This worksheet will test your understanding of verbs ending in -ing, including their use as gerunds and present participles.
Verb forms ending in -ing can function as different parts of speech. A **gerund** acts as a noun, while a **present participle** acts as part of a verb phrase or as an adjective.
For each sentence, determine if the -ing word is a **gerund** (G) or a **present participle** (PP). Write G or PP in the blank.
1. is my favorite activity. (Swimming)
2. The dog barked loudly. (sleeping)
3. We are dinner tonight. (cooking)
4. Her hobby is stamps. (collecting)
Choose the sentence where the -ing word is used correctly as a gerund.
1. Which sentence uses the -ing word as a gerund?
The running water was cold.
Running is good exercise.
He was running late for work.
The running shoes were new.
2. In which sentence is the -ing word functioning as a present participle?
I enjoy reading.
Reading books is fun.
The reading lamp was bright.
She is reading a novel.
Write two sentences. In the first sentence, use the word 'fishing' as a gerund. In the second sentence, use 'fishing' as a present participle.
1. Fishing (gerund):
2. Fishing (present participle):
Determine if each statement about -ing words is True or False.
1. A gerund functions as a verb in a sentence.
True
False
2. A present participle can act as an adjective.
True
False
Write a short paragraph (3-5 sentences) about your favorite hobby. Underline all the -ing words you use and identify if each is a gerund or a present participle above the word.