Verbals
Verbals are verb forms that do not function as verbs.
Verbals can function as modifiers
- Sharkey's desire to succeed blinded his sense of morality.("To succeed" is a verb form, but the verb in this sentence is "blinded." "To succeed" modifies "desire.")
- His fiancee, hating Sharkey's greed, broke off their engagement. ("Hating Sharkey's greed" is a verbal phrase. It describes "fiancee." The verb in this sentence is "broke.")
- Undeterred by this set-back, Sharkey made a fortune on the stock market. (This sentence starts with a verbal phrase "undeterred by this set-back." The phrase describes Sharkey. The verb in the sentence is "made.")
The three sentences above illustrate the three forms that verbals can take when they function as modifiers:
- infinitives, "to" in front of a verb -- to strive, to seek, to find, to succeed
- present participles, the "ing" form -- getting, spending, sleeping, hating
- past participle, "-ed", "-en" form -- figured, stiffened, fallen, unwept, unhonored, unsung, undeterred
Verbals can perform noun functions such as subjects and objects
- Driving over the speed limit cost him a hefty fine. (The phrase "driving over the speed limit" is the subject of this sentence.)
- I love hiking. ("Hiking" is the direct object in this sentence.)
- I wanted to know my benefactor. ("To know my benefactor" is the direct object in this sentence.)
Infinitives are called infinitives whether they modify or perform a noun function.
For some reason "-ing" are called participles when they modify, but they're called gerunds when they perform a noun function. "Driving" and "hiking" in the sentences above are gerunds.
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