| A participle is the form of a lexical verb that is used with an auxiliary verb. Participles (present or past) are also often used as an adjective |
The fire was burning. [present participle]
He has worked hard. [past participle]
burning embers
bouncing ball [present participle]
combed hair
edited document [past participle]
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| A gerund is a present (-ing) participle of a verb that acts as a noun. Gerunds can be modified by adjectives, and used as the subject or object of a verb |
dancing sewing singing talking
ballroom dancing
ice skating
Cooking is my favourite activity.
She enjoys running.
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A comparative adjective or adverb (with -er) compares 2 objects or activities
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Let’s take the faster train. [comparative adjective]
Go faster if you can. [comparative adverb]
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| A superlative adjective or adverb (with -est) is the extreme point on a scale (see Making comparisons for more information on how to make comparatives and superlatives) |
the slowest time in the competition [superlative adjective]
The big snail went slowest in the race. [superlative adverb]
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| A modifier is another name for an adjective that qualifies a noun; or an adverb that qualifies a verb, adjective or other adverb |
a happy retiree
a glorious sunset
abundant pasture
He wrote elegantly.
The style was very elegant.
They spoke quite persuasively about the issue. |
