1. Participles vs. Gerunds vs. Verbs Verbals

2. Standard ELACC8L1: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. a. Explain the function of verbals (gerunds, participles, infinitives) in general and their function in particular sentences.

3. Be Careful Participles, Gerunds, and Verbs are easy to mix up because verbals sometimes look like verbs.

4. Verb Verb: A verb is what the subject of a clause is actually doing, will do, or did. Ex. I am walking to the store today.

5. Gerund Gerund: A gerund is a THING/ACTIVITY, not action, and not a description. Ex. Spending money on groceries can get expensive.

6. Participles Participle: A participle is a DESCRIPTION, not an action, and not a thing. Ex. Walking carefully, the tightrope walker crossed the wire.

7. Hint Chart VerbGerundParticiple Tells what the subject is doing/did Is a THING or ACTIVITY Is a description of someone or something

8. Participle, Verb, or Gerund? 1.Stepping lightly, the kids tiptoed across the room. 2.I like piano, but I do not like practicing. 3.Shelia is cleaning her room. 4.Do not drink the cleaning products. 5.Cleaning the counter every day keeps it nice and germ-free. 6.Screeching to a halt, the car narrowly avoided an accident. 7.I am tired of running laps.