VERBALS

VERBAL is a form of verb

that performs the function of
a noun, adjective or adverb.

VERBAL is a word formed

from a verb but functioning as
a different part of speech.
 1. Gerund
2. Infinitive
3. Participle
TYPES OF VERBALS
Gerund is a verbal that ends in
“ing” and functions as a noun.

Gerunds are words that are

formed with verbs but act as
nouns.

1. GERUND
 Subject
Appositive
Direct Object
Object of the Preposition

Functions of Gerund
Gerund can be used as a subject in
the sentence since it functions as a
noun.
EXAMPLE:
Hiking is not easy as it looks.
(hiking is the gerund. It acts as a
subject in the sentence)

Gerund as Subject
• Jogging two miles every day is good for
you.
• Walking is important for good health.

• Looking for a work can be a difficult task.

• Writing and Reading are interesting
subjects.

EXAMPLES:
Appositive is a noun or noun phrase that
renames another noun right beside it.

EXAMPLE:
1. The best form of exercise, walking, is
also the least expensive.
(walking is the gerund in the sentence and
acts as an appositive explaining the best
form of exercise)

Gerund as Appositive
• Low-impact sports, like riding a bike,
cause less stress on your knees.
• My favorite sport, trekking, is a great
exercise.
• Her job, writing, is not an easy skill.

EXAMPLES:
A noun or noun phrase indicating a person
or thing that is the recipient of the action of
a verb. (answers the questions what or who)
EXAMPLE:
I thoroughly enjoy jogging three miles
everyday.
(verb is enjoy, gerund as direct object is
jogging)

Gerund as Direct Object

• They do not appreciate singing.

• My teacher likes questioning us on our

math skills.

• Elaine loves playing video games.

• I enjoy eating a big meal on any occasion.

EXAMPLES:
Gerunds/Gerund Phrases can be
objects of prepositions when they
complete a prepositional phrase:

EXAMPLE:
I am very interested in playing tennis.
(preposition – in, gerund phrase –
playing tennis)

Gerund as Object of Preposition

• Rainy days are good days for reading.

• The police arrested him for speeding.

• They maintain endurance by running.

• Jack’s attitude about studying for test

improved.

EXAMPLES:
INDIVIDUAL
ACTIVITY:
Identify the function of the
underlined Gerund in each
sentence.
1. Her job, analyzing data brought in by
satellites, is exciting.
2. My hobby, reading, improves my
vocabulary.
3. All of the students like taking notes on
gerunds.
4. Mary hates biting her fingernails.
5. Traveling might satisfy your desire for
new experiences.
6. She was not to blame for breaking the
vase.
7. Planning the work carefully required a
great deal of time.
8. Riding a roller coaster scares my little
brother.
9. Sophia likes jumping on the
trampoline
10. Her interest in gardening developed
over time.
It is the base form of the verb with
to. Usually it functions as a noun,
an adjective or an adverb in the
sentence.

“to” + verb

2. INFINITIVE
 Subject
Adjective
Adverb

Functions of Infinitive
Infinitive may be used as the
subject noun of a verb if it is the
focus or issue in the sentence.

EXAMPLE:
To succeed takes hard work and
dedication.

Infinitive as a Subject
• To visit the Luneta Park is my life-long
dream.
• To know her is to love her.

• To err is human, to forgive is divine.

• To climb Mt. Everest is my greatest

ambition.

EXAMPLES:
An adjective describes a noun. An
infinitive working as an adjective also
describes a noun.
EXAMPLE:
The puzzle to build has a thousand
pieces.
(puzzle is a noun. “to build” is an infinitive used
as an adjective for it describes the puzzle)

Infinitive as an Adjective
• Napoleon’s plan to conquer Europe failed.

• He lacked a motivation to succeed.

• The first attempt to construct the building

ended in failure.

• I have a paper to write before the class.

EXAMPLES:
An adverb describes a verb, an adjective or
another adverb. An infinitive working as an
adverb also describes a verb, an adjective
or another adverb.

EXAMPLE:
She came to collect her pay cheque.
(to collect is the infinitive and it modifies the
verb came)

Infinitive as an Adverb
• The three bears went to find firewood.
• Your sister has gone to finish her
homework.
• I am happy to be here.
• Jack’s entire family likes to rise early.
• The boy ran to the corner to greet his
father.

EXAMPLES:
 INDIVIDUAL
ACTIVITY:
Identify the function of the
underlined Infinitive in each
sentence.
1. To travel around the world requires
a lot of time and money.
2. John’s eagerness to learn is very
evident.
3. To finish homework is our plan.
4. Mark has the ability to succeed.
5. I am calling to inform you about
dad.
6. Mr. David will be the one to ask.
7. The guests stood to leave.
8. To read about the history of spices
can be fascinating.
9. Our group has a project to submit
by the end of the week.
10. The train stopped to prevent an
accident with the workers.
Participle is a verbal that
functions as an adjective.
EXAMPLE:
The boiling water on the stove is
hot.

3. PARTICIPLE
-ing participles (present
participles
-ed, -en participles (past
participle)

Kinds of Participle
The cracked windows have been fixed.

The tired animal walked slowly across the

highway.

the sleeping student missed his next class.

The broken chair is dangerous.

EXAMPLES:
 INDIVIDUAL
ACTIVITY:
Write sentences using
the following participle
verbs.
 1. singing
2. broken
3. loved
4. smoking
5. walking
The end
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