Definitions
- Describing an -ing verb form that functions as a noun in a sentence. - Referring to an action or activity that is ongoing or continuous. - Talking about an activity that is the subject or object of a sentence.
- Describing a verb form that functions as an adjective in a sentence. - Referring to an action or activity that has already happened. - Talking about a verb form that modifies a noun or pronoun in a sentence.
List of Similarities
- 1Both are verb forms that end in -ing.
- 2Both can be used to modify nouns or pronouns in a sentence.
- 3Both can be used to create compound verbs in a sentence.
- 4Both can be used to create participial phrases in a sentence.
What is the difference?
- 1Function: Gerunds function as nouns, while participles function as adjectives.
- 2Usage: Gerunds are used to describe an activity or action, while participles describe a noun or pronoun.
- 3Position: Gerunds usually come at the beginning or end of a sentence, while participles usually come before or after the noun they modify.
- 4Verb form: Gerunds are always progressive verb forms, while participles can be either progressive or perfect verb forms.
Remember this!
Gerund and participle are both verb forms that end in -ing. However, the difference between them is their function and usage. A gerund functions as a noun and describes an ongoing activity or action, while a participle functions as an adjective and describes a noun or pronoun. Additionally, gerunds are always in the present tense, while participles can be in the present or past tense.
