Gerunds:
* Always end in -ing. They act as nouns and can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.
* Example: *Swimming* is my favorite activity.
Participles:
* Most end in -ing, but there are some irregular verbs that have past participles ending in -en or -n.
* Present participles (ending in -ing) act as adjectives.
* Example: The *running* water was refreshing.
* Past participles can act as adjectives, part of verb phrases, or as the main verb in a sentence.
* Example: The *broken* vase was irreplaceable.
* Example: The dog had *eaten* all the bones.
Here's a table to summarize:
| Word Type | Ending | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Gerund | -ing | *Singing* is my hobby. |
| Present Participle | -ing | The *roaring* lion was terrifying. |
| Past Participle | -ing, -en, -n | The *written* letter was in the mailbox. |
| Past Participle | -en, -n | The *fallen* leaves were colorful. |
Key takeaway: While most gerunds and participles end in -ing, it's important to remember that past participles can have alternative endings.