English

A participle and a gerund both end with '-ing'; however, they play different roles. A gerund acts as a noun, whereas a participle acts as an adjective or helps in forming verb tenses.

Examples:

• Singing loudly annoys the neighbors. (Gerund phrase, subject)
• The singing bird woke me up. (Participle, describing a bird)

The '-ing' form of a verb is called the present participle. It can act as:

• A gerund (noun)
• A participle (adjective)
• Part of a continuous tense

Examples:

Cooking is relaxing. (Gerund)

The boiling water is hot. (Present Participle)

She is cooking dinner now. (Continuous Verb)

In English, a gerund phrase is a gerund plus any object, modifier, or complement that goes with it. Just like a gerund, a gerund phrase also works as a noun. 

Example: Watching movies at night helps me relax.

Here, Gerund is “Watching” and Modifier is “movies at night”.

A gerund is a verb ending with '-ing' and functioning as a noun. Gerunds in English grammar can be used in many positions:

• As a subject
• As an object
• As a subject complement

For example, His hobby is painting.

It is important to improve vocabulary and understand the usage of grammar for the CDS exam English section. Candidates can check here some of the books that can help in the preparation-"Word Power Made Easy" by Norman Lewis, Wren & Martin's High School English Grammar & Com, etc.

BSEH released the HBSE Class 12 exam pattern and marking scheme 2026 for all subjects on the official website. Students can click on HBSE 12th English exam pattern 2026 to download and study. 

It is important that students know the exam pattern as it makes one familiar with the marking scheme, types of questions asked in exam and more.