Verbals
Verbals are words derived from verbs but used as different parts of speech. There are three types: gerunds (ending in -ing, used as nouns), participles (ending in -ing or -ed, used as adjectives), and infinitives (to + verb, used as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs).
Verbals are an essential aspect of English grammar that derive from verbs but serve different functions within sentences. Gerunds are formed by adding -ing to a verb and function as nouns, playing roles such as subjects, objects, or complements in a sentence. Participles, which can end in -ing or -ed, act as adjectives, providing more information about nouns or pronouns. Infinitives, identified by the word "to" followed by a verb, have the flexibility to function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs within a sentence, adding depth and specificity to the overall meaning. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for mastering the nuances of English language usage and composition.
Gerunds
Gerund as subject:
Traveling might satisfy your desire for new experiences.
Gerund as direct object:
They do not appreciate my singing.
Gerund as a subject complement:
My cat’s favorite activity is sleeping.
Gerund as an object of a preposition:
The police arrested him for speaking.
Gerunds can also function as possessives, showing ownership or relationship:
I enjoy reading your writing.
Gerunds can be used as modifiers to describe nouns:
She bought a running shoe for her marathon.
Gerunds can even be used to express cause or reason:
He failed the test for not studying enough.
By mastering the usage of gerunds, writers can add complexity and precision to their sentences, enhancing the overall impact of their writing.
Participles
Participles, like gerunds, also end in -ing, but they function as adjectives rather than nouns. They can be used to modify nouns in a sentence, providing more detail or description:
The crying baby needed to be comforted.
Participles can also be used to create phrases that add more information to a sentence:
The book, written by a famous author, became a bestseller.
Some examples in a sentence:
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.
By understanding how to use participles effectively, writers can create more vivid and engaging descriptions, capturing the reader's attention and enhancing the overall quality of their work.
Infinitives
Infinitives are another important aspect of English grammar. They are the base form of a verb with the word "to" in front of it. For example, "to run," "to eat," and "to study" are all infinitives. Infinitives can be used in various ways in sentences, such as to express purpose, obligation, or intention. Understanding how to use infinitives correctly can help writers convey their ideas more clearly and effectively. Additionally, infinitives can be used as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in a sentence, adding versatility and depth to the writing. Mastering the use of infinitives can elevate the sophistication of a piece of writing and make it more engaging for the reader.
Some examples in a sentence:
To wait seemed foolish when decisive action was required.
Everyone wanted to go.
His ambition is to fly.
He lacked the strength to resist.
We must study to learn.
Infinitives and prepositional phrases can often be confused. Here are some examples:
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.
Notice how infinitives end in verbs -simplest verbs- and how prepositional phrases only start with to. This is how you can tell them apart.