What are "Verbals"? Hint: Verb Patterns
Verbals are words that are formed from verbs but function as different parts of speech in a sentence. There are three main types of verbals: gerunds, participles, and infinitives. Each type has a distinct role:
- Gerunds: These are verb forms ending in -ing that function as nouns. For example:
- Swimming is a good exercise.
- Reading helps improve vocabulary.
- Participles: These can be either present participles (ending in -ing) or past participles (usually ending in -ed, -d, -t, -en, or -n) and function as adjectives, describing nouns or pronouns. For example:
- The running water was soothing.
- The broken vase lay on the floor.
- Infinitives: These are the base form of the verb preceded by "to" and can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. For example:
- To travel is my dream.
- She has a book to read.
- He went to the store to buy milk.
Understanding verbals is essential for grasping how they contribute to the overall meaning and structure of sentences.
