VERBALS

The three verbals— gerunds, infinitives, and participles—are formed from verbs, but are never used alone as action words in sentences. Instead, verbals function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. These verbals are important in phrases.

GERUND The gerund ends in -ing and functions as a noun. Jumping is fun. He liked skiing. He had a unique way of whistling.

INFINITIVE The infinitive is the base form of a verb with to. To jump is fun. (noun; subject of the verb is) I like to ski. (noun; direct object of the verb like) She had a suggestion to offer. (adjective modifying suggestion) He called to warn her. (adverb modifying the verb called)

PARTICIPLE A participle is a verb that ends in -ing (present participle) OR -ed, -d, -t, -en, -n(past participle). The dancing parrots entertained the crowd. The wrecked sailboat washed up on shore.

EXAMPLES Floating in the pool, I marveled at the clouds. "Floating in the pool" is the participial phrase that modifies the subject, "I." "Floating" is the participle in the phrase "floating in the pool." It describes what I am doing.

Biting his victim, the vampire felt a momentary thrill. "Biting his victim" is the participial phrase that modifies the subject, "the vampire." "Biting" is the participle in the phrase "biting his victim." It describes what the vampire is doing. Beating you over the head with examples, I hope to make you understand participial phrases. "Beating you over the head with examples" is the participial phrase modifying the subject, "I." "Beating" is the participle in the phrase "beating you over the head with examples." It describes what I am doing