Verbal Practice Exercise

  1. Verbals
  2. Gerunds
  3. Participles
  4. Infinitives
  5. Practice

Identify the underlined part of speech. After completing the entire exercise, click on the "Are You Prepared?" button at the bottom of this page to see the answers.

1. The thief arrested for the robbery shot at the security guard.
a. gerund     b. participle     c. infinitive   

2. The flag waving in the wind is inspirational.
a. gerund     b. participle     c. infinitive   

3. They are sure the extra planning will make a difference in the end.
a. gerund     b. participle     c. infinitive   

4. Jamal's confusing message did nothing to solve the mystery.
a. gerund     b. participle     c. infinitive   

5. Godzilla made a game of smashing all of the red cars parked near the lake.
a. gerund     b. participle     c. infinitive   

6. The politician's broken promises were all that the voters remembered.
a. gerund     b. participle     c. infinitive   

7. Delighted with the opportunity to learn, Christine took the internship in New York.
a. gerund     b. participle     c. infinitive   

8. While playing the tuba, Orin felt as if his world was perfect.
a. gerund     b. participle     c. infinitive   

9. The show offers everyone a chance to be a millionaire.
a. gerund     b. participle     c. infinitive   

10. Samuel decided that missing the lecture every day was hurting his grade.
a. gerund     b. participle     c. infinitive   

11. The kittens crouching under the bed have refused to come out.
a. gerund     b. participle     c. infinitive   

12. The swimmer, driven by the need to be the best in the world, made himself sick with anxiety.
a. gerund     b. participle     c. infinitive   

13. My friend was surprised by the lighting in the theater.
a. gerund     b. participle     c. infinitive   

14. Brenda seemed surprised with the team's decision to withdraw.
a. gerund     b. participle     c. infinitive   

15. Completing the obstacle course is harder than it looks.
a. gerund     b. participle     c. infinitive   

16. Billy refused to accept the idea that his birthday cake was gone.
a. gerund     b. participle     c. infinitive   

17. The marathon runner, pushed to the edge of endurance, collapsed at the finish line.
a. gerund     b. participle     c. infinitive   

18. Fred's arguing every call is getting frustrating.
a. gerund     b. participle     c. infinitive   

19. Al hopes that giving the players a break will improve their attitudes.
a. gerund     b. participle     c. infinitive   

20. The completed meal was so beautiful that we hesitated to eat it.
a. gerund     b. participle     c. infinitive   

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