The (Voluptuous) Verbals
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Verbs are sometimes farmed out to other parts of speech. A kind of linguistic outsourcing.
When that happens we use the word verbal.
There are three kinds of verbals: gerunds, infinitives and participles.
Great words!
Can you imagine the loving reception you would get if at a party you say, "Let's talk about gerunds."
Instant popularity!
But to protect yourself from unpleasant people who demand to know what a gerund, or infinitive, or participle is :
If we use a verb as Nouns we call them "gerunds."
Running makes my feet hurt.
Here "running", while an action word, is used as a noun working as the subject of the sentence. Gerund!
Your turn, use an "ing" form of a verb as the subject of one or two sentences:
(Self serving note: I collected a bunch of articles I once wrote under the title "Teaching and Other Gerunds". Each chapter title is a gerund: "writing" "cheating" etc. Actually, what I did was to post them as blogs. Here's where they are: http://homepage.mac.com/vickryston/iblog/B665753905/index.html )
The "to" form of a verb is called an "infinitive." If you use the "to" form of a verb as a noun or as a modifier it's called "infinitive" instead of gerund. No, I don't know why!
To run makes my feet really hurt. (noun)
It is my desire to run. (adjective.)
I sometimes run to show off. (adverb)
Your turn:
"Participles" are verbs used as adjectives.
As a running person, my feet often hurt.
Why is that laughing woman pointing at me?
Is this fun or what!!!??? Create a couple of mind-bending examples:
Had enough of these entertaining verbals? I know I have.
To return to Step Two, please click : Step Two.
