Read the sentence.

Watching the fireworks on New Year’s Eve was the most exciting part of my winter break.
Which answer correctly explains the role of the word Watching in this sentence?

1. It is a gerund because it is the -ing form of the verb watch. Watching is functioning as a noun: the subject of the sentence.
2. It is an adjective that modifies New Year’s Eve.
3. It is a participle because it is the -ing form of the verb watch. Watching is functioning as an adjective that modifies fireworks.
4. It is a present-tense verb in a dependent clause.


Read the sentence.

Every other Tuesday, the cleaning crew comes to the office at night to vacuum and mop the floors.

What is the function of the words to vacuum and mop the floors?

1. The words are an infinitive phrase that functions as the subject of a dependent clause.
2. The words are an infinitive phrase that functions as an adverb modifying the verb comes.
3. The words are a prepositional phrase that functions as an object in a participial phrase.
4. The words are a prepositional phrase that functions as an adjective modifying the noun night.