Verbals: Examples of the Three Types
Verbals are words formed from verbs but functioning as other parts of speech. They keep the verb's potential to describe action or state, but don't work like verbs in a sentence. Here are examples of each type:
1. Gerunds:
* Function: Noun
* Form: Verb + "-ing"
* Examples:
* Swimming is my favorite activity. (Subject)
* I enjoy reading novels. (Object of the verb)
* She's passionate about traveling. (Prepositional object)
* He earns a living by writing. (Object of the preposition)
2. Participles:
* Function: Adjective
* Form:
* Present Participle: Verb + "-ing"
* Past Participle: Usually formed by adding "-ed" or "-en"
* Examples:
* Running water is clean. (Describes the water - adjective)
* We saw a fallen tree on the road. (Describes the tree - adjective)
* The broken window needs repair. (Describes the window - adjective)
3. Infinitives:
* Function: Noun, Adjective, or Adverb
* Form: "to" + Verb
* Examples:
* To sleep is essential for good health. (Subject)
* I love to dance. (Object of the verb)
* She's the one to ask. (Appositive)
* He was eager to learn. (Adjective modifying "eager")
* I went to the store. (Adverb modifying "went")
Bonus:
* Verbals can often be combined with other words to form phrases (e.g., "running water", "to eat a sandwich", "broken by the storm").
Understanding the different types of verbals helps you analyze sentences and identify their functions within the structure.