Question

Choose whether the verb form in italics is a Gerund or Participle:

The men have been trying to complete the work since yesterday.

• A. Present Participle
• B. Gerund
• C. Past Participle
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is A Present Participle

In the above sentence, 'trying' has not been used as a noun in the sentence because it is related to some work which is happening. Hence, it cannot be considered a gerund. In the sentence, the noun is the men who are still trying to complete the work which has started yesterday. This shows an ongoing activity at the time when this sentence is spoken by a person. Hence, 'trying' becomes a present participle and not a past participle. Option A) is therefore the right option.