Basic English Syntax with Exercises

Exercise 1

Identify the –ing affixed elements in the sentences below as (i) nouns; (ii) adjectives; (iii) participles; (iv) expressing continuous aspect; (v) participles or (vi) gerunds.

(1)aShe was reported missing.
bThey were found working in the garden.
cWe watched them being bundled into the police van.
dRoughly speaking, all men are liars.
eAfter filing a protest she resigned.
fHaving been late for the meeting, he went to a bar instead.
gBeing late for the meeting has changed his prospects for promotion.
hShe suggested waiting till dawn.
iHe didn’t envisage there being any danger.
jGetting the equipment loaded was easy.
kThis time tomorrow they’ll be looking at the rising sun.
lHaving finished her lessons, she went home.
mHe was heard talking about having central heating put in.
nHe was pleased with his surroundings.
oThe woman going was in a hurry.
pPeter saw Mary coming.
qThey caught him stealing.
rThe girl sitting in the corner was reading an interesting book.
sHe insisted on calling a doctor.
tAt the airport one can always see passengers rushing to catch their flights.

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