What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gerund
Example
Swimming is my favorite sport. [swimming: gerund]
Example
I enjoy reading books. [reading: gerund]
participle
Example
The running water was refreshing. [running: participle]
Example
The broken vase lay on the floor. [broken: participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gerunds are more commonly used than participles in everyday language. Gerunds are versatile and can be used in various contexts, while participles are less common and are typically used in more formal writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gerund and participle?
Gerunds are generally considered less formal than participles. While gerunds are commonly used in everyday language, participles are more often used in formal writing or academic contexts.
