ব্যাখ্যা
Correct Answer: (C) Gerund
Understanding the functions of verbal forms (Gerund, Participle, Infinitive) is essential for NTRCA English grammar questions.
What is a Gerund?
— A Gerund is a verb form ending in '-ing' that functions as a NOUN in a sentence
— In the sentence "Do you enjoy teaching?" — 'teaching' is used as the object of the verb 'enjoy'
— "teaching" answers the question "What do you enjoy?" — hence it acts as a noun (object)
How to identify a Gerund vs Participle:
— Gerund = -ing form used as a NOUN (subject, object, complement)
→ "Swimming is good exercise." (subject)
→ "He loves reading." (object)
— Participle = -ing form used as an ADJECTIVE or part of a verb phrase
→ "The running water is clean." (adjective)
→ "She is running fast." (part of continuous tense)
Verbs commonly followed by Gerunds:
— enjoy, avoid, admit, suggest, deny, finish, mind, miss, consider
Example:
— "I enjoy singing." (singing = Gerund, object of 'enjoy')
— "The singing bird is beautiful." (singing = Participle, adjective modifying 'bird')
Source: Wren & Martin High School English Grammar; Murphy's English Grammar in Use; Past NTRCA Question Bank.