8th Grade Gerunds Practice
Practice identifying and using gerunds with quick, interactive quizzes that give instant feedback. Master this essential eighth-grade grammar skill by recognizing when -ing words act as nouns in sentences.
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Same skill, different difficulty. Start where it feels right — you can switch any time.
Grade level quizzes
10 questions · Multiple choice
10 questions · Multiple choice
10 questions · Multiple choice
10 questions · Multiple choice
10 questions · Multiple choice
10 questions · Multiple choice
10 questions · Multiple choice
10 questions · Multiple choice
10 questions · Multiple choice
10 questions · Multiple choice
Sometimes, a word that looks like a verb is actually acting as a noun. When a verb ending in -ing does a noun's job, we call it a gerund. For example, in the sentence "Running is my favorite hobby," the word "running" looks like an action, but it is actually the subject of the sentence. Spotting gerunds helps you write stronger sentences!
Printable verbals: gerunds worksheets
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Frequently asked questions
What is a gerund in 8th-grade grammar?
How can students tell the difference between a gerund and a regular verb?
Why do 8th graders struggle with gerunds?
How does practicing gerunds improve writing?
Why Gerunds Matter in Eighth Grade
In eighth grade, students transition toward writing more complex and sophisticated sentences. Recognizing gerunds—which are verbals ending in -ing that function as nouns—is a key step in this development. When students understand how gerunds work, they can vary their sentence structures, avoid repetitive phrasing, and write with greater precision. This skill also prevents common writing mistakes, such as confusing gerunds with progressive verbs or participles.
Tips for Supporting Your Learner
- Spot the Function: Remind your child to ask what role the -ing word plays. If it can be replaced by a pronoun like "it" (e.g., "I love swimming" becomes "I love it"), it is a gerund.
- Compare Verbals: Practice distinguishing gerunds from participles, which act as adjectives (e.g., the running water).
- Encourage Daily Writing: Have students write three sentences using their favorite activities as the subjects of their sentences.
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