SAT Reading & Writing: Choose the correct verb form (infinitive, gerund, participle)
24+ practice questions in Praczo
The concept, explained
- 1
An infinitive is "to + verb" (to run). A gerund is verb + -ing used as a noun (running is fun). A participle is verb + -ing or -ed used as an adjective (a running faucet; a broken vase).
- 2
Some verbs are followed by infinitives (want to, decide to); others by gerunds (enjoy -ing, consider -ing). A few accept either with different meanings (stop to smoke vs. stop smoking).
- 3
After prepositions, use a gerund, not an infinitive: "interested in learning" — not "interested in to learn."
- 4
A participial phrase must modify the subject of the main clause. "Walking home, the rain started" is wrong because rain wasn't walking — the subject should be the person walking.
- ✗ Using an infinitive after a preposition ("good at to swim") instead of a gerund ("good at swimming").
- ✗ Writing a dangling participle — the participial phrase must match the subject it modifies.
SAT-style practice
Which choice best completes the sentence? "After _____ for hours, the hikers finally reached the summit."
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