In which of the following sentences a gerund or a gerundial phrase is not used ?

Question

Accepted Answer

Option 4 is the correct answer because it does not contain a gerund or a gerundial phrase. A gerund is a verb form that ends in "-ing" and functions as a noun. In Option 4, "Loudly knocking at the gate, he demanded admission," the word "knocking" is not used as a noun; instead, it functions as a present participle, which is part of a participial phrase describing the subject "he." Therefore, this sentence does not contain a gerund or a gerundial phrase.

Now, let's examine why the other options are incorrect:

1. Option 1: "Finding a good job is becoming more and more difficult nowadays." In this sentence, "Finding a good job" is a gerundial phrase. "Finding" is a gerund because it acts as the subject of the sentence, functioning as a noun.

2. Option 2: "Spreading rumours is an anti-social activity." Here, "Spreading rumours" is a gerundial phrase. "Spreading" is a gerund because it serves as the subject of the sentence, functioning as a noun.

3. Option 3: "The slamming of the doors had aroused mother." In this sentence, "The slamming of the doors" is a gerundial phrase. "Slamming" is a gerund because it acts as the subject of the sentence, functioning as a noun.

In summary, Options 1, 2, and 3 all contain gerunds or gerundial phrases, while Option 4 does not, making it the correct answer.