Verbal PhrasesPhrases using verbs as a different part of speech

Three Types of Verbal Phrases

Participle- a verb ending in –ing/d/ed/n that acts as an adjective

Gerund- a verb ending in –ing and acts as a nounSubject, predicate nominative, direct object, object

of the preposition

Infinitive- begin with the word “to” and is followed by a verb. Acts as either a noun, adjective or adverb

Participial PhraseA participial phrase starts with the participle

A verb that acts as an ADJECTIVETwo forms- present and past

Present ends in –ingPast ends in –d/–ed/-n

ExamplesThe boy standing by the bus was Craig.

Participial Phrase- standing by the busModifies BOY

Painted in 1947, the mural is Leonardo’s masterpiece. Participial phrase- Painted in 1947

Modifies MURAL

Gerund PhraseEnds in –ing- be careful not to confuse with the

participleUsed as a noun (subject, predicate nominative,

direct object, object of a preposition)Subject- Answering quickly is not always a good idea

Gerund- Answering quickly

OP- Pierre was incapable of reciting the poem. OP- reciting the poem

DO- The French teacher tried giving her students praise. Direct object- noun or pronoun that follows an action verb

and receives the action of the verb. DO- giving her students

Infinitive PhraseThe word “to” followed by a verb

Used as a noun- He hated to leave the city of Lyon.to leave the city of Lyon (DO)

Used as an adjective- The children showed a willingness to cooperate with the police.to cooperate with the police

Used as an adverb- During the war, the French people struggled to resist the German invasion.To resist the German invasion