VERBALS AND ITS TYPES

XAVIER UNIVERSITY-JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL TEACHING DEMONSTRATION

Verbals are verb forms that function as other parts of speech in a sentence rather than as the main
verb. There are three types of verbals: gerunds, participles, and infinitives. Each type has distinct
characteristics and uses.

1. Gerunds

Definition: A gerund is a verb form that ends in "-ing" and functions as a noun in a sentence.

Examples:

 Subject: Swimming is a great exercise.

 Direct Object: She enjoys reading.
 Object of a Preposition: They talked about traveling.

2. Participles

Definition: Participles are verb forms that function as adjectives. They come in two forms:
present participles and past participles.

 Present Participle: Ends in "-ing" and describes an ongoing action.

o Example: The running water is cold.
 Past Participle: Usually ends in "-ed," "-d," "-t," "-en," or "-n" and describes a
completed action.
o Example: The broken vase was valuable.

Participial Phrases: Participles can be part of a phrase that includes other words and functions
as an adjective in the sentence.

 Example: Running through the park, she felt invigorated.

3. Infinitives

Definition: An infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by "to." It can function as a noun,
adjective, or adverb.

Examples:

 Noun: To read is her favorite hobby.

 Adjective: He has a lot of work to do.
  Adverb: She went to the store to buy groceries.

Infinitive Phrases: Infinitives can be part of a phrase that includes other words and functions as
a noun, adjective, or adverb.

 Example: She has a book to read before the meeting.

Summary

 Gerunds: Verb + ing, function as nouns (e.g., Swimming is fun).

 Participles: Present participle (verb + ing), past participle (verb + ed/en/etc.), function as
adjectives (e.g., The running water; a broken vase).
 Infinitives: To + verb, function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs (e.g., To read is
enjoyable; a book to read).

Each type of verbal has its unique role in adding variety and detail to sentences, making them
richer and more descriptive.

More of Gerunds

Gerunds, being verb forms that end in "-ing" and function as nouns, can serve various roles in a
sentence. Here are the different noun functions of gerunds:

1. Subject

A gerund can function as the subject of a sentence, performing the action of the verb.

Examples:

 Running is good for your health.

 Reading improves your knowledge.

2. Direct Object

A gerund can act as the direct object of a verb, receiving the action of the verb.

Examples:

 She enjoys swimming.

 They discussed renovating the house.
3. Subject Complement

A gerund can serve as a subject complement (also known as a predicate nominative) following a
linking verb, providing more information about the subject.

Examples:

 His favorite hobby is fishing.

 Her passion is dancing.

4. Object of a Preposition

A gerund can be the object of a preposition in a prepositional phrase.

Examples:

 She is interested in learning new languages.

 They talked about traveling to Europe.

5. Indirect Object

Though less common, a gerund can function as an indirect object, which is the recipient of the
direct object.

Example:

 He gave reading a try.

6. Appositive

A gerund can function as an appositive, a noun or noun phrase that renames or provides
additional information about another noun.

Examples:

 Her hobby, painting, is very relaxing.

 His favorite activity, jogging, helps him stay fit.

Summary of Gerund Functions

 Subject: The gerund acts as the main noun performing the action of the verb.
o Example: Swimming is fun.
 Direct Object: The gerund receives the action of the verb.
o Example: She loves painting.
 Subject Complement: The gerund follows a linking verb and renames or describes the
subject.
 o Example: His passion is running.
 Object of a Preposition: The gerund follows a preposition and completes the
prepositional phrase.
o Example: They are interested in hiking.
 Indirect Object: The gerund indirectly receives the action of the verb, often followed by
a direct object.
o Example: He gave reading a chance.
 Appositive: The gerund renames or provides more information about a nearby noun.
o Example: Her job, teaching, is very fulfilling.

By serving in these various capacities, gerunds can add depth and flexibility to sentences,
allowing for more nuanced and detailed expression.