Identifying phrases
5. Verbal phrases
A verbal is a verb form that does not serve as a verb in the sentence. Instead, it functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb. There are three types of verbals: infinitive, participial, and gerund
Gerund Phrases
A gerund phrase is formed when a gerund (the “-ing” form of a verb used as a noun) is accompanied by any modifiers and/or objects. The entire phrase functions as a noun, meaning it can be the subject of a clause or an object of a verb or preposition.
Gerund + Object(s) and/or Modifier(s)
exemples
I like writing good essays. (As noun/object)
She started thinking about the problem. (As noun/object)
Sleeping late in night is not a good habit. (As noun/subject)
Weeping of a baby woke him up. (As noun/subject)
Infinitive Phrases
Infinitive phrases are composed of the infinitive of a verb (the base form + the particle to) along with any objects or modifiers associated with it. Infinitives and infinitive phrases can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in a sentence.
Infinitive + Object(s) and/or Modifier(s)
exemples
|
Infinitive phrase examples |
How it appears in a sentence |
|
to help one another — infinitive to help + object one another |
“We must all try to help one another.” (functions as a noun, the direct object of try) |
|
to stop for today — infinitive to stop + adverbial prepositional phrase for today |
“This is a good place to stop for today.” (functions as an adjective, modifying the noun place) |
|
to send my brother a letter — infinitive to send + indirect object my brother + direct object a letter |
“I'm going to the post office to send my brother a letter.” (functions as an adverb, modifying the verb going) |
Participle + Object(s) and/or modifier(s)
Like gerunds and infinitives, participles are formed from verbs, so participle phrases are created when participles are accompanied by any modifiers or objects. Past and present participles (without modifiers or objects) can be used to create different verb tenses, but they can also function as adjectives. Participle phrases, however, can only function as adjectives
examples
I received a letter, mentioning about my exam. (modifies letter)
The table, made of steel, is too expensive. (modifies table)
We saw a car, damaged in an accident. (modifies car)