1. Verbals and Verbal Phrases

2. What is a VERBAL? A verb acting like another part of speech
3 types: infinitives, gerunds, and participles

3. Infinitives
to + a verb
Can be used as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb in a sentence
Examples:
I like to read before I go to sleep.
Most people like to watch comedies on TV.
To succeed in school, you must work hard.

4. Infinitives vs. Prepositional Phrases
Be aware that the word TO does not always mean you have an infinitive.
If TO is not followed by a verb, it is NOT an infinitive.
I like to shop at the mall.
Let’s go to the mall.
Which sentence contains an infinitive and which sentence contains a prepositional phrase? Why?

5. Gerunds A verb acting like a noun Always ends in –ing
Can be used as subjects, direct objects and indirect objects, objects of prepositions, and predicate nominatives.

6. Gerunds continued Examples Gerund or not?
Swimming is my favorite sport.
Do you like riding horses?
Many students like playing basketball in PE.
Gerund or not?
The dog, carrying its bone in its mouth, ran around the house.
Carrying is NOT a gerund; not used as a noun

7. Participles A verb acting like an adjective
Often ends in –ing or –ed but occasionally ends in another way
Examples
Smiling, the teacher collected homework from her students.
I like ice skating on frozen ponds.
Barking dogs can be a nuisance.
The burnt popcorn made the entire house smell.

8. Participial Phrases
A participial phrase is a participle and all of its objects or modifiers
Examples
Rounding third base, the runner charged toward home plate.
The pitcher, losing control, has overthrown the ball.
Especially pleased, the crowd cheered loudly.