Verbal Phrases Verbal Phrases Verbals are words that

Verbal Phrases

Verbal Phrases • Verbals are words that look like verbs but do not function as verbs. • Verbals, instead, function as nouns, adjective, or adverbs.

Verbal Phrases • A verbal phrase is made up of a verbal and any related words. • Three kinds of verbal phrases: –Participial phrases –Gerund phrases –Infinitive phrases

Participial phrases • Always function as adjectives. • Two kinds of participles are used in sentence phrases. –Present participle –Past participle

Present Participles • End with “ing”. • Have no helping verb. • Function as adjectives in a sentence.

Present Participles • Example: We listened for Isabella climbing the rickety stairs. • “climbing the rickety stairs” is the present participial phrase. • The phrase describes Isabella.

Present Participles • Example: Standing on the wooden bridge, Nathan watched small leaves float by. • Who or what does “Standing on the bridge” describe? • Nathan

Past Participles • Often end with “ed” • have no helping verb • Function as adjectives in a sentence.

Past Participles • Example: Irritated by the delay, Louise complained. – Who or what does “irritated by the delay” describe? – Louise was irritated by the delay, so she complained. • Irritated is an adjective. – The delay irritated Louise, so she complained. • now “irritated” is a verb.

Past Participles • Example: Tired and depressed, Maria wondered how she would get to work the next day. – Who or what does “tired and depressed” describe? – Maria was tired and depressed and she wondered how she would get to work the next day. • Tired and depressed are adjectives.