##  [Verb forms ending in “-ing”](/en/quiz/verb-forms-ending-in-ing-eng)

Verb forms that end in **-ing** are known as present participles or gerunds. They can be combined with a helping verb to form a progressive tense verb: is snowing, was skating, have been skiing, will be snowshoeing. But when they're used on their own without a helping verb, these **-ing** words don't function as verbs. Instead, they function as nouns or adjectives and are known as verbals. Verbals are verb forms that look like verbs but don't act as the verb in the sentence. If you want more information on verbals, see our [writing tip on the gerund](/en/writing-tips-plus/gerund-gerund-phrase) or our [writing tip on the participle](/en/writing-tips-plus/participle-participle-phrase).

In the sentences below, identify whether the **-ing** word in brackets is acting as a verb, a noun or an adjective.

1. Anna enjoys \[serving\] up spicy chili after a skating party.adjective

noun

verb

2. Anna enjoys serving up spicy chili after a \[skating\] party.adjective

noun

verb

3. \[Walking\] briskly on a cold winter day is invigorating.adjective

noun

verb

4. Since the late 1970s, Canada has been \[observing\] Commonwealth Day on the second Monday in March.adjective

noun

verb

5. The community is \[coming\] together to celebrate International Women's Day.adjective

noun

verb

6. Some animals are still \[hibernating\] in March.adjective

noun

verb

7. Preschool children love \[singing\] "Ten little snowflakes."adjective

noun

verb

8. Jolam's family will be \[celebrating\] the spring equinox together.adjective

noun

verb

9. Holi, which is usually celebrated in March, is a festival of colours that involves \[throwing\] coloured powder, lighting bonfires and giving out sweets.adjective

noun

verb

10. Canada's multiculturalism helps make it a \[welcoming\], inclusive and diverse country.adjective

noun

verb