Verbal Phrases - Gerunds, Participles, and Infinitives

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What is a gerund?

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A gerund is a verb form that ends in -ing and functions as a noun in a sentence. Example: 'Swimming is fun.'

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What is a participle?

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A participle is a verb form that can function as an adjective. Present participles end in -ing (e.g., 'running'), while past participles often end in -ed (e.g., 'baked').

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What is an infinitive?

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An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by 'to'. Example: 'to run', 'to eat'.

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How do gerunds function in a sentence?

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Gerunds function as nouns in a sentence. Example: 'Reading is enjoyable.' Here, 'reading' acts as the subject.

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How do participles function in a sentence?

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Participles function as adjectives, modifying nouns. Example: 'The running water is cold.' Here, 'running' modifies 'water'.

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What is a gerund phrase?

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A gerund phrase includes a gerund and any modifiers or objects. Example: 'Swimming in the ocean is refreshing.'

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What is a participial phrase?

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A participial phrase includes a participle and any modifiers or complements. Example: 'Baked fresh daily, the bread was delicious.'

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What is an infinitive phrase?

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An infinitive phrase includes an infinitive and any modifiers or objects. Example: 'To win the game is my goal.'

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Identify the gerund in the sentence: 'I enjoy reading books.'

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The gerund is 'reading', which functions as the object of the verb 'enjoy'.

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Identify the participle in the sentence: 'The broken vase lay on the floor.'

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The participle is 'broken', which describes the noun 'vase'.