Verbals

Verbs vs. Verbals

Understanding the distinction between verbs and verbals.

Definition of Verbs:

• Verbs defined: Puts a subject in motion or clarifies the subject's condition.

  • Ex: I hear the crowd’s yell.

Definition of Verbals:

• A verbal is a word derived from a verb and functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb.

  • Ex: Running improves cardiovascular and psychological well-being.

Types of Verbals: Participles, Gerunds, Infinitives.

Participles

• acts as an adjective

  Present Participle: Ends with -ing.

  • Example: "Every human has his own unique breaking point."

  Past Participle: Ends with -ed, -d, -t, or -n.

  • Example: "A man needs an emotional and psychological help."

  Perfect Participles: Indicates a completed action; combines present participle "having" with a past participle.

  • Example: "Having segregated the trashes, Jericho decided to take a bath."

Gerund

• A verb form functioning as a noun. Formed by adding -ing

Functions of Gerunds:

1. Subject: A gerund can act as the subject of a sentence.

   "Trekking is what my father did."

2. Direct Object: Follows an action verb and answers the question "what?"

   "The committee needs retraining."

3. Indirect Object: Answers the question "to what?" or "for what?"

   "Charles gave swimming his energy."

4. Predicate Nominative: Renames the subject or defines the first part of the sentence.

   "My difficulty is sleeping through the night."

5. Object of a Preposition: Follows a preposition.

   "She is interested in learning."

   "My mother scolded me for stealing."

Infinitives

• Functions primarily as a noun, but can also act as an adjective or adverb. Composed by placing "to" before the base form of a verb.

  • Nominal Infinitives: Functions as a noun (subject).

    • Example: "To fix a big problem is a great achievement."

  • Adjectival Infinitives: Modifies a noun.

    • Example: "The decision to pursue higher education was significant."

  • Adverbial Infinitives: Functions as an adverb, modifying verbs.

    • Examples:

      • "I must practice hard to win."

      • "She woke up early to complete her work."

Memory Tips for Verbals:

• Functions:

  • Participle: Adjective

  • Gerund: Noun

  • Infinitives: Noun / Adjective / Adverb

• Categories:

  • Participle: Present, Past, Perfect

  • Gerund: Subject (S), Direct Object (DO), Indirect Object (IO), Predicate Noun (PN), Object of Preposition (OP)

  • Infinitives: Nominal, Adjectival, Adverbial