Grammar Practice: Identifying 'Swimming' as a Gerund
The question asks to identify the word class of the underlined word "Swimming" in the sentence: "Swimming is a healthy exercise."
Analyzing the Word 'Swimming'
In this sentence, "Swimming" is the subject. It is derived from the verb "swim" and ends with the suffix "-ing". Crucially, it functions as a noun, naming the activity that is considered healthy exercise.
- Words derived from verbs, ending in "-ing", that function as nouns are called Gerunds.
- Here, "Swimming" is the entity being described as a healthy exercise, fulfilling a noun's role.
Evaluating the Options
- Verb: While "swim" is a verb, "Swimming" here is not the main action performed by a subject. It *is* the subject.
- Gerund: This fits the definition perfectly, as "Swimming" acts as a noun (the subject).
- Adjective: "Swimming" is not describing another noun (e.g., "swimming pool").
- Adverb: "Swimming" is not modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb.
Therefore, the word class of "Swimming" in this context is a Gerund.
Important Questions from Parts of Speech
Directions: Each of the following sentences has an underlined word. Read the sentence carefully and find which word class the underlined word belongs to. Indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
You are most welcome to visit my humble (abode).
Directions: Each of the following sentences has an underlined word. Read the sentence carefully and find which word class the underlined word belongs to. Indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
The situation is (beyond) our control.
Directions: Each of the following sentences has an underlined word. Read the sentence carefully and find which word class the underlined word belongs to. Indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
I didn't tell him anything (except) that I needed the money.
Directions: Each of the following sentences has an underlined word. Read the sentence carefully and find which word class the underlined word belongs to. Indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
He dry-cleaned my coat (nicely).
Directions: Each of the following sentences has an underlined word. Read the sentence carefully and find which word class the underlined word belongs to. Indicate your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
Would you like to buy (this) new item?
