Lesson 206 - Parts of the Sentence - Verbals

View lesson on Daily Grammar

A verbal is a verb form used as some other part of speech. There are three kinds of verbals: gerunds, participles, and infinitives.

A gerund always ends in ing and is used as a noun. 

 

Example: 

Eating is fun.

A participle is used as an adjective and ends various ways. A present participle always ends with ing as does the gerund, but remember that it is an adjective. A past participle ends with ed, n, or irregularly.  

 

Examples: 

played, broken, brought, sung, seeing, having seen, being seen, seen, having been seen

An infinitive is to plus a verb form. It can be a noun, an adjective, or an adverb. 

 

Examples: 

to be, to see, to be seen, to be eaten

Instructions: Find the verbals in the following sentences.

1. I can't understand Will's failing in college.

2. Many trees stood bordering the south entrance to the house.

3. I will have to consult your parents.

4. His searching glance terrified the hostages.

5. You should buy a tie to match your suit.

--For answers scroll down.

Answers:

1. I can't understand Will's failing in college.

2. Many trees stood bordering the south entrance to the house.

3. I will have to consult your parents.

4. His searching glance terrified the hostages.

5. You should buy a tie to match your suit.

Next Lesson

For your convenience, all of our lessons are available on our website in our lesson archive. Our lessons are also available to purchase in an eBook and a workbook format.