A participle is a verbal form that functions as an adjective. It is derived from a verb and typically ends in -ing, -ed, or -en. In the first sentence, the word "sitting" is used as a participle to describe the pronoun "him." It indicates that he was in a sitting position at that moment.
A gerund, on the other hand, is a verbal form that functions as a noun. It is derived from a verb and ends in -ing. In the second sentence, the word "sitting" is used as a gerund as it acts as the subject of the sentence. It represents the action of sitting idly, which is being discussed as a concept.
Gerunds and participles are related because they are both derived from verbs and end in -ing. However, they differ in their grammatical function. Participles function as adjectives to describe nouns, while gerunds function as nouns themselves, representing the action or concept described by the verb.
Look at the word “sitting” in each sentence:Participle: I saw him sitting there.Gerund: Sitting idly is not in my habit.Suggested paragraph formatWhat 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?
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