Adjective Or Participle

Participles can also act as adjectives. In this case, they modify nouns. Sometimes participles
are used as adjectives after be or other copular verbs. In this case, they complete the
predicate.

When participles help to form continuous and perfect tenses, they act as participles.

This grammar exercise tests your ability to recognize participles and adjectives.

1. She was excited about the project.

Excited is an adjective
Excited is a past participle
Excited is an adjective here and it acts as the complement of the verb was.

2. I watched an interesting movie yesterday.

Interesting is an adjective
Interesting is a present participle
When ing forms are used before nouns they act as adjectives.

3. She was driving us crazy.

Driving is an adjective
Driving is a present participle
When ing forms are used to form continuous tenses, they are used as participles.

4. I hope you are fully recovered from your operation.

Recovered is an adjective
Recovered is a past participle
Recovered is an adjective here. Participles are often used after the verb be. In this case, they
complete the predicate and act as adjectives.

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 Adjective Or Participle

5. Her idea seems exciting.

Exciting is an adjective
Exciting is a present participle
Participles are often used as adjectives after be and other copular verbs.

6. The children were screaming at the top of their voice.

Screaming is an adjective
Screaming is a present participle
When ing forms are used to form continuous tenses, they act as present participles.

7. I had warned you.

Warned is an adjective
Warned is a past participle
When participles are used to form perfect tenses, they act as past participles.

8. He was not expecting this.

Expecting is an adjective
Expecting is a present participle
When participles are used to form continuous tenses, they act as present participles.

9. It was beginning to rain.

Beginning is an adjective
Beginning is a present participle
When ing forms are used to form continuous tenses, they act as present participles.

10. I did not enjoy the party because I was bored.

Bored is an adjective
Bored is a past participle
Participles are often used after the verb be as adjectives. In this case, they complete the
verb.

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 Adjective Or Participle

11. They have not been able to find the missing child.
Missing is an adjective
Missing is a present participle
When ing forms are used before nouns, they act as adjectives.

12. She is retired now.

Retired is an adjective
Retired is a past participle
Participles are often used after the verb be as adjectives. In this case, they complete the
verb.

PLAY AGAIN !
Answers
1. She was excited about the project. (Adjective)
2. I watched an interesting movie yesterday. (Adjective)
3. She was driving us crazy. (Participle)
4. I hope you are fully recovered from your operation. (Adjective)
5. Her idea seems exciting. (Adjective)
6. The children were screaming at the top of their voice. (Participle)
7. I had warned you. (Participle)
8. He was not expecting this. (Participle)
9. It was beginning to rain. (Participle)
10. I did not enjoy the party because I was bored. (Adjective)
11. They have not been able to find the missing child. (Adjective)
12. She is retired now. (Adjective)

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