A verb that functions as an adjective usually by adding -ing; example: A RUNNING horse.

A verb that functions as an adjective usually by adding -ing; example: A RUNNING horse.

• A. Gerund
• B. Infinitive
• C. Clause
• D. Participle

Answer: (D)

A participle is a verb form that can modify a noun, functioning like an adjective. When the -ing form describes a noun, as in “a running horse,” it’s the present participle used adjectivally. This differs from a gerund, which uses the -ing form as a noun—“Running is fun.” An infinitive, the “to” form like “to run,” can act as a noun, adjective, or adverb but doesn’t typically function as a descriptive modifier in the same way. A clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb, not a single word modifying a noun. So the term for a verb form that works as an adjective by adding -ing is a participle, and that’s why “running” describes the horse in the example.

A participle is a verb form that can modify a noun, functioning like an adjective. When the -ing form describes a noun, as in “a running horse,” it’s the present participle used adjectivally. This differs from a gerund, which uses the -ing form as a noun—“Running is fun.” An infinitive, the “to” form like “to run,” can act as a noun, adjective, or adverb but doesn’t typically function as a descriptive modifier in the same way. A clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb, not a single word modifying a noun. So the term for a verb form that works as an adjective by adding -ing is a participle, and that’s why “running” describes the horse in the example.