Definition and Functions

A gerund is a verbal ending in -ing that functions as a noun.

It can act as a subject, direct object, subject complement, or object of a preposition.

Examples of Gerunds

Traveling might satisfy your desire for new experiences.

They do not appreciate my singing.

My cat's favorite activity is sleeping.

The police arrested him for speeding.

Participles

Definition and Types

A participle is a verbal used as an adjective, often ending in -ing or -ed.

There are present participles (ending in -ing) and past participles (ending in -ed, -en, -d, -I, or -n).

Examples of Participles

The crying baby had a wet diaper.

Shaken, he walked away from the wrecked car.

The burning log fell off the fire.

Smiling, she hugged the panting dog.

Infinitives

Definition and Functions

An infinitive is a verbal with the word to plus a verb stem, functioning as a noun, adjective, or adverb.

It can serve as a subject, direct object, subject complement, adjective, or adverb in a sentence.

Examples of Infinitives

To wait seemed foolish when decisive action was required. (subject)

Everyone wanted to go. (direct object)

His ambition is to fly. (subject complement)

He lacked the strength to resist. (adjective)

We must study to learn. (adverb)

Differentiating Infinitives and Prepositional Phrases

An infinitive consists of to plus a verb stem, while a prepositional phrase starts with to plus a noun or pronoun with modifiers.

Infinitives: to fly, to draw, to become, to enter, to stand, to catch, to belong.

Prepositional Phrases: to him, to the committee, to my house, to the mountains, to us, to this address.