Gerunds
* Function: They act as nouns.
* Formation: Add "-ing" to the base form of the verb.
* Examples:
* Swimming is my favorite activity. (Subject)
* I enjoy hiking in the mountains. (Object of the verb)
Participles
* Function: They act as adjectives (describing nouns) or as part of verb phrases.
* Formation:
* Present Participle: Add "-ing" to the base form of the verb.
* Past Participle: Usually ends in "-ed", "-en", "-d", "-t", or "-n".
* Examples:
* The running water was refreshing. (Adjective)
* The broken window needed repair. (Adjective)
* She has finished her homework. (Part of a verb phrase)
Other Verbals
There are two other types of verbals:
* Infinitives: The base form of the verb preceded by "to" (e.g., "to run", "to eat"). They can function as nouns, adjectives, adverbs, or parts of verb phrases.
* Participial Phrases: A participle with its modifiers and complements, functioning as an adjective phrase.
Let me know if you have any more questions about verbals!