Verbals

Verbals are formed from verbs and can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in a sentence. We’ll briefly review three types of verbals here.

Infinitives usually consist of to followed by the verb base. Infinitives can act as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.

Noun: To run is the greatest freedom.

Adjective : The freedom to run made her feel relaxed.

Adverb : He lived to run.

Gerunds consist of the verb base followed by –ing. Gerunds function as nouns.

Running brought her great joy.

He enjoyed running even when he was alone.

A participle, when used as a verbal, functions as an adjective. Participles can come before or after the nouns or pronouns they modify.

She crossed the finish line first, running with verve.

Surprised, he gasped.