English Grammar • O Level • IGCSE • Matric • Class 8 to 10

Noun Phrases and Gerunds Worksheet with Answers | O Level IGCSE Matric

Free printable noun phrases and gerunds worksheet with answer key. Identify gerunds, analyse noun phrases, sentence transformation (IGCSE style). Original sentences. Class 8 to O Level and Matric.

Free PDF Answer Key Included O Level • IGCSE • Matric Print Ready

💡 Noun Phrases and Gerunds

Noun Phrase: a group of words built around a head noun.
Structure: [Determiner] + [Adjective] + HEAD NOUN + [Postmodifier]
Example: the young explorer from Cape Town - head noun: explorer

Gerund: a verb + -ing used as a noun.
Climbing is her passion. She enjoys reading. He is good at solving problems.

Gerund vs Participle test: Replace the -ing word with a regular noun. If the sentence still makes sense, it is a gerund.
Climbing is her passion → Chess is her passion. ✓ Gerund!

Verbs that always take a gerund: enjoy, avoid, finish, consider, suggest, keep, practise, mind, deny, recommend

AIdentify the Noun PhrasePhrase Analysis

Underline the complete noun phrase in each sentence. Then circle the head noun.

1The young explorer from Cape Town crossed three mountain ranges.

2She wrote a detailed report on the ancient ruins.

3Four tall granite pillars stood at the entrance to the hall.

4The narrow cobbled street near the harbour was always busy.

5My grandmother’s handwritten journal was found in the attic.

BGerund or Participle?Critical Distinction

Write G (gerund) or P (participle) for the underlined word. Then write the reason.

1Climbing steep cliffs requires both skill and patience. G/P: Reason:

2The climbing vines covered the old stone wall completely. G/P: Reason:

3She was reading when the first snow began to fall. G/P: Reason:

4The team finished mapping the entire valley by Thursday. G/P: Reason:

5The old spinning wheel stood in the corner of the room. G/P: Reason:

6Exploring new places broadens the mind and builds confidence. G/P: Reason:

CRewrite Using a GerundO Level Style Transformation

Rewrite each sentence using a gerund. Begin with the word given. The meaning must not change.

1To travel light is the best way to enjoy a long journey. Begin: Travelling light…

2It is difficult to learn a new skill without regular practice. Begin: Learning…

3She likes to sketch landscapes in the early morning. Begin: She enjoys…

4He decided to stop eating processed food after the long trip. Begin: He considered…

DPassage: Noun Phrases and GerundsPassage-Based (IGCSE Style)

Read the passage and answer the questions below.

Mapping uncharted territory was the life’s work of the brilliant and dedicated cartographer from Istanbul. She had spent years collecting and analysing geographical data. Her mentor, an experienced navigator with forty years at sea, had taught her the importance of accuracy. By publishing her findings carefully, she contributed a groundbreaking atlas of the southern hemisphere to the world of science.

1List all the gerunds in the passage:

2What is the grammatical role of Mapping in the opening sentence?

3Write the two longest noun phrases and state the head noun of each:

NP 1: Head noun:

NP 2: Head noun:

4What is the function of an experienced navigator with forty years at sea?

EError Correction and Sentence TransformationO Level / Matric / IGCSE Style

Part 1: Each sentence has one grammatical error. Find and correct it.

1She recommended to practise the new technique every day. Correction:

2He avoided to cross the same route twice in bad weather. Correction:

3The crew enjoyed to explore the coastline at low tide. Correction:

Part 2: IGCSE Sentence Transformation. Rewrite beginning with the word given.

4It was a waste of energy to argue over the route. Begin: Arguing…

5To reach the summit before dark was their main aim. Begin: Reaching…

✅ Answer Key - Noun Phrases and Gerunds

Section A (head nouns)

1.The young explorer from Cape Town - (explorer)

2.a detailed report on the ancient ruins - (report)

3.Four tall granite pillars - (pillars)

4.The narrow cobbled street near the harbour - (street)

5.My grandmother’s handwritten journal - (journal)

Section B

1.G - subject of the sentence, acts as a noun

2.P - adjective modifying the noun vines

3.P - forms past continuous tense (was reading)

4.G - object of finished; finish always takes a gerund

5.P - adjective describing the noun wheel

6.G - subject of broadens, acts as a noun

Section C

1.Travelling light is the best way to enjoy a long journey.

2.Learning a new skill without regular practice is difficult.

3.She enjoys sketching landscapes in the early morning.

4.He considered stopping eating processed food after the long trip.

Section D

1.Mapping, collecting, analysing, publishing

2.Subject of the sentence

3.the brilliant and dedicated cartographer from Istanbul (cartographer); a groundbreaking atlas of the southern hemisphere (atlas)

4.In apposition - it renames and describes the mentor

Section E

1.She recommended practising the new technique every day.

2.He avoided crossing the same route twice in bad weather.

3.The crew enjoyed exploring the coastline at low tide.

4.Arguing over the route was a waste of energy.

5.Reaching the summit before dark was their main aim.