Students can practice distinguishing between infinitives, participles, and gerunds using this targeted grammar exercise.

Let's solve the worksheet titled "VERBALS: Infinitive, Participle, or Gerund?" step by step.

We are asked to identify whether the underlined (or key) verb form in each sentence is an infinitive, a participle, or a gerund. Since there are no actual underlines in the image text provided, we will analyze the key verb forms in each sentence based on grammar rules.

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🔹 Definitions:

- Infinitive: "to + verb" (e.g., *to run*)
- Gerund: verb ending in *-ing* used as a noun (e.g., *running*)
- Participle:
- Present participle: *-ing* form used as an adjective (e.g., *running shoes*)
- Past participle: usually *-ed* or irregular form, also used as an adjective (e.g., *broken glass*)

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Now let’s go through each sentence:

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1. Running is my father’s favorite sport.

- "Running" is the subject of the sentence.
- It's a noun form made from a verb.
- This is a gerund.

✔ Answer: Gerund

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2. It’s important for him to run every day.

- "to run" is the infinitive form.
- It follows the structure: "for him to run" — this is a common infinitive phrase.
- The infinitive acts as the subject complement.

✔ Answer: Infinitive

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3. He has special running shoes.

- "running" modifies "shoes" — it describes what kind of shoes.
- It's an adjective here (present participle).
- "Running shoes" = shoes used for running.

✔ Answer: Participle (specifically, present participle)

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4. He likes running in the rain.

- "running" is the object of the verb "likes".
- It functions as a noun (the thing he likes).
- So, it's a gerund.

✔ Answer: Gerund

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5. My mother likes to hike.

- "to hike" is the infinitive.
- It's the object of the verb "likes".
- "Likes to hike" = enjoys hiking (infinitive form).

✔ Answer: Infinitive

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6. Hiking is good for building strength.

- "Hiking" is the subject of the sentence.
- It's a noun form derived from the verb "hike".
- So, it's a gerund.

✔ Answer: Gerund

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7. There are many hiking trails near us.

- "hiking" modifies "trails" — describes what kind of trails.
- It's an adjective form (present participle).
- "Hiking trails" = trails used for hiking.

✔ Answer: Participle

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8. She once had a frightening hike near a bear.

- "hike" is a noun here — it's the object of "had".
- But the word "frightening" is an adjective modifying "hike".
- However, the question is asking about "hike" — which is a noun, not a verbal.
- But wait — is "hike" a verbal? No. It's a noun.

But let's check: Is "hike" being used as a verbal?

No — "hike" is a noun in this sentence. There is no verbal form here.

Wait — but the sentence says "a frightening hike". The word "hike" is a noun.

So no verbal appears in this sentence?

But that can't be right — maybe we're misreading.

Wait — perhaps the intended verbal is "hiking", but it's written as "hike".

But the sentence clearly says "a frightening hike" — so "hike" is a noun.

However, if the original was meant to be "a frightening hiking", that would be odd.

Alternatively, could "frightening" be a participle?

Yes! "Frightening" is a present participle used as an adjective.

- "Frightening" = causing fear → describing the hike.
- So "frightening" is a participle.

But the sentence says "a frightening hike" — so "frightening" is the modifier.

So the verbal is "frightening", which is a present participle.

✔ Answer: Participle

(Note: Even though "hike" is a noun, "frightening" is the verbal form — a participle used as an adjective.)

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✔ Final Answers:

1. Gerund
2. Infinitive
3. Participle
4. Gerund
5. Infinitive
6. Gerund
7. Participle
8. Participle

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📝 Summary Table:

| Sentence | Verbal Form |
|--------|-------------|
| 1. Running is my father’s favorite sport. | Gerund |
| 2. It’s important for him to run every day. | Infinitive |
| 3. He has special running shoes. | Participle |
| 4. He likes running in the rain. | Gerund |
| 5. My mother likes to hike. | Infinitive |
| 6. Hiking is good for building strength. | Gerund |
| 7. There are many hiking trails near us. | Participle |
| 8. She once had a frightening hike near a bear. | Participle |

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💡 Explanation Tips:

- Gerunds (-ing) act as nouns (subjects, objects).
- Infinitives ("to + verb") often follow verbs like *like*, *want*, *need*.
- Participles (-ing or -ed) function as adjectives (describe nouns).

Let me know if you'd like a printable version or explanation with examples!