Point out the participles and gerunds in the following sentences.

1. He was found desperately fighting for his life.

2. He has ruined his sight by playing video games all day.

3. Hearing the noise, he ran to the window.

4. We saw a clown standing on his head.

5. Asking questions is easier than answering them.

6. Jumping over the fence, the thief escaped.

7. I decided to increase my income by starting a business.

8. We spent the afternoon playing cards.

9. What I most detest is smoking.

10. He contemplated marrying his colleague.

Answers

1. He was found desperately fighting for his life. (fighting – participle)

2. He has ruined his sight by playing video games all day. (playing – gerund)

3. Hearing the noise, he ran to the window. (hearing – participle)

4. We saw a clown standing on his head. (standing – participle)

5. Asking questions is easier than answering them. (asking, answering – gerunds)

6. Jumping over the fence, the thief escaped. (jumping – participle)

7. I decided to increase my income by starting a business. (starting – gerund; it is the object of the preposition by)

8. We spent the afternoon playing cards. (playing – gerund)

9. What I most detest is smoking. (smoking – gerund; it serves as the complement of the verb is)

10. He contemplated marrying his colleague. (marrying – gerund; it serves as the object of the verb contemplated)