Verbal Phrases

Verbal Phrases Verbals are words that look like verbs but do not function as verbs. Verbals, instead, function as nouns, adjective, or adverbs.

Verbal Phrases A verbal phrase is made up of a verbal and any related words. Three kinds of verbal phrases: Participial phrases Gerund phrases Infinitive phrases

Participial phrases Always function as adjectives. Two kinds of participles are used in sentence phrases. Present participle Past participle

Present Participles End with “ing”. Have no helping verb. Function as adjectives in a sentence.

Present Participles Example: We listened for Isabella climbing the rickety stairs. “climbing the rickety stairs” is the present participial phrase. The phrase describes Isabella.

Present Participles Example: Standing on the wooden bridge, Nathan watched small leaves float by. Who or what does “Standing on the bridge” describe? Nathan

Past Participles Often end with “ed” have no helping verb Function as adjectives in a sentence.

Past Participles Example: Irritated by the delay, Louise complained. Who or what does “irritated by the delay” describe? Louise. Louise was irritated by the delay, so she complained. Irritated is an adjective. The delay irritated Louise, so she complained. now “irritated” is a verb.

Past Participles Example: Tired and depressed, Maria wondered how she would get to work the next day. Who or what does “tired and depressed” describe? Maria. Maria was tired and depressed and she wondered how she would get to work the next day. Tired and depressed are adjectives.