Verbal Phrases
Infinitives, Gerunds, and Participials
Verbal phrases are phrases introduced by a participle, a gerund, or an infinitive. Participles, gerunds, and infinitives are derived from verbs and are much like verbs in that they have different tenses, can have subjects and objects, and can be modified by adverbs. However, they are not true verbs; they cannot function as the only verb form in the sentence.
Participial Phrases
The participial phrase functions as an adjective in a sentence. It has two forms. The present participle end in -ing and the past participle usually ends in -ed.
Examples
- The students wearing the orange and white caps are freshmen. (This participial phrase functions as an adjective modifying students. It uses the present participle verb form.)
- Most of the geniuses recorded in history have had to work against great odds to succeed. (This participial phrase functions as an adjective modifying geniuses. It uses the past participle verb form.)
- Seeing the accident, a woman stopped. (Do not confuse the participial phrase with the gerund phrase. The participial phrase always functions as an adjective but the gerund is always a noun.)
Gerund Phrases
The gerund phrase functions as a noun in the sentence. It is formed by using the present participle ending of a verb -ing. Do not confuse the gerund phrase with the participial phrase.
Examples
- Learning a second language requires patience and perseverance. (The phrase functions as a noun, the subject of the sentence.)
- Riding a horse takes skill.
- I prefer riding a bicycle. (In this case, the gerund phrase is the object of the verb "prefer," but still the phrase is a noun.)
Infinitive Phrases
The infinitive phrase is made up of to plus the verb form and may function as either nouns or modifiers in the sentence.
Examples
- She likes to do the work. (This infinitive phrase functions as a direct object of the verb likes in the sentence. Therefore, it is a noun.)
- Language to suit the occasion is very important. (This infinitive phrase functions as an adjective in this sentence modifying the noun "language.")
- To congregate in large groups can be exciting. (The infinitive phrase functions as a subject in this sentence.)
Infinitive phrases should not be split. The verb must always follow the "to" with no intervening words.
- Incorrect
- He has to quickly run home to change clothes after practice.
- Correct
- He has to run quickly home to change clothes after practice.