NYSTCE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Practice Test

Which of the following best describes a gerund?

1. A verb form used to express future actions

2. A noun formed from a verb by adding -ing

3. A form of a verb that indicates mood

4. A type of adjective used in sentences

The correct answer is: A noun formed from a verb by adding -ing

A gerund is best described as a noun formed from a verb by adding -ing. This unique aspect of gerunds allows them to function as nouns in a sentence while retaining some qualities of verbs. For example, in the sentence "Running is fun," "running" acts as the subject of the sentence, showcasing its noun-like function. Understanding this concept is crucial as gerunds can be used in various roles within sentences, such as subjects, objects, or complements. The other options refer to different grammatical forms: expressing future actions relates to other verb tenses, indicating mood connects to modal verbs, and a type of adjective pertains to descriptive words that modify nouns. Thus, the defining characteristic of a gerund is its transformation from a verb into a noun through the addition of the -ing suffix.