A participle is a verb form that can function as an adjective. In the first sentence, "sitting" is used as a present participle to describe the pronoun "him". It tells us what he was doing at that moment.
On the other hand, a gerund is a verb form that acts as a noun. In the second sentence, "sitting" is used as a gerund to function as the subject of the sentence. It refers to the action of sitting idly and is the focus of the sentence.
Gerunds and participles are related because they both derive from verbs. They both end in -ing and can be used to describe actions, but the difference lies in how they function in a sentence. Gerunds act as nouns, while participles act as adjectives.
Proofread:
What is a participle? How is "sitting" used as a participle in the first sentence?
What is a gerund? How is "sitting" used as a gerund in the second sentence?
How are gerunds and participles related?
How are gerunds and participles related? Use the sample sentences below to support your answer. (4 points: 3 for content, 1 for correct grammar and punctuation)
Look at the word “sitting” in each sentence:
Participle: I saw him sitting there.
Gerund: Sitting idly is not in my habit.
Suggested paragraph format
What is a participle? How is sitting used as a participle in the first sentence?
What is a gerund? How is sitting used as a gerund in the second sentence?
How are gerunds and participles related?
Proofread for proper capitalization, punctuation, and grammar
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