Verbals: Words in sentences that are formed using verbs but
do not function as verbs in sentences. Instead, they function
as different parts of speech, such as nouns, adjectives, or
adverbs.
1. Gerunds are –ing forms of verbs that function as nouns.
They can take any role in a sentence that a noun can
take: subject, direct object, and objects of prepositions.
Ex. Running is Sam’s favorite activity. (“running” is a verb
form, functioning as the subject of the sentence)
Ex. Julie relaxes by reading outside. (“reading” is a verb
form, functioning as the object of the preposition)
2. Participles are verb forms that function as adjectives.
There are two kinds: present participles (-ing) and past
participles (-en form of the verb)
Ex. Smiling, the singer emerged from backstage.
(“smiling” is a verb form functioning as an adj. It is a
present participle)
Ex. Amazed at his sister’s talent, John stared at the
beautiful painting. (“amazed at his sister’s talent” is
functioning as an adj. It is a past participial phrase.)
3. Infinitives are formed by combining “to” with the base
form, or present tense, of a verb. They function as nouns
when the action being described takes on a noun role in
the sentence. They function as adjectives when they are
used to describe nouns. They sometimes function as
adverbs when they are used to provide additional detail
about a previously used verb.
Ex. Josh wants to fly in a hot air balloon. (“to fly” is
functioning as a noun, the direct object.)