1. Verbals
by Marsha Barrow

2. Verbals are phrases using verbs as nonverbs
Verbals are phrases using verbs as nonverbs. There are three kinds of verbals:
Gerunds
Infinitives
Participles

3. Gerunds
A gerund is a form of verb ending in –ing. The way we use a gerund is what makes it different from a verb. Gerunds act as nouns.

4. The following sentences give different examples of how to use gerunds as nouns:
Dancing is good exercise. (Gerund as a subject)
Josh enjoys dancing. (Gerund as an object of a verb)
He knows a lot about dancing. (Gerund as an object of a preposition)
It is interesting to watch good dancing. (A modifier preceding a gerund is usually an adjective)
Dancing well requires practice. (A modifier following a gerund is usually an adverb)
We enjoyed the girl’s dancing.
My dancing made my boyfriend laugh.  (When a gerund has a subject it is possessive)

5. These are some common verbs that are often followed by gerunds:
Enjoy              Postpone         Think about     Finish Mind               Put off             Consider          Stop Keep (on)       Wait                Talk about       Quit

6. Infinitives
An infinitive is the simple form of a verb preceded by the word “to.” Infinitives can also act as nouns like gerunds do.

7. Examples of infinitives:
To fly is one of my ambitions.
Since ancient times, people have attempted to fly.
To play the game is to win the prize.
Infinitives following certain verbs, such as let or make, appear without the “to.”
The coach let the team choose it’s own captain.
The editors made the reporters check their facts thoroughly.

8. followed by infinitives:
These are some common
verbs that are often
followed by infinitives:
Want                Hope               Decide             Seem Need                Expect             Promise           Appear Would like       Plan                 Offer               Pretend Would love      Intend              Agree              Forget  Try                  Mean               Refuse             Learn          Afford             Wait

9. Exercise:
      Complete the sentences with the gerund or the infinitive form of the word in parenthesis and identify which form you are using.
I need (study)__________ tonight.                                              
I enjoy (cook) ___________ gourmet meals.                                 
Ellen started (talk) __________ about her problem.                     
Bud and Sally have decided (get) ________ married.                   
We finished (eat) ________ around seven.                                    

10. Are you planning (take) ________a vacation this year?          
I like (meet) ________new friends.                                        
We discussed (visit) _______ the park.                                 
I’ve decided (rent) ________the house.                                  
My friend offered (loan) ___________ the money to me.    
I try (look) ________neat and clean every day.                      
I forgot (buy) ________milk at the store.                               
I started (like) _________Jim.                                              
Let’s keep (work) _______on the homework.                      
I went (fish) ___________early in the morning.  

11. Present Participle: verb ends in -ing
Participles
Present Participle: verb ends in -ing
Participles are verbs that are used as adjectives.
Past Participle: regular or irregular verbs written in past tense form

12. Exercise:
Identify the present and past participles that are modifying nouns or pronouns in the following sentences:
Where did you hide my running shoes?
She dropped the burnt toast into the trash when my stressed mom was not looking.
The students surprised their hard-working principal with a loud hurrah.
Many advertising companies target women in their late teens.
Abandoned cats and dogs have become a too-common sight in our cities.

13. 6. The reporting journalist squinted at the bright lights.
7. Most of the skilled trapeze artists trained in Florence, Italy.
8. There are no quick fixes for broken people.
9. The movie star waved at her cheering fans.
10. We placed the frozen enchiladas on the counter.