TYPES OF PHRASES

Understanding Verbs: Gerunds and Infinitives

A verbal is a verb that functions as some other part of speech in a
sentence. In the English language, there are three basic types of
verbals: gerunds, participles and infinitives. Let's explore each of
these verbals in detail.

Gerunds

Gerunds are verbals that function as nouns and have an –ing ending.
Since gerunds are derived from verbs and have an –ing ending, they do
express action. However, because gerunds function as nouns, they
occupy slots traditionally held by nouns in sentences such as
subjects, direct objects and objects of prepositions. Gerunds may
occur as one word, or they may be part of a gerund phrase. Let's take
a look at some examples:

Gerund, functioning as subject
Reading is my most beneficial summer activity.

Gerund, functioning as direct object
James enjoys swimming.

Gerund, functioning as object of preposition
You will get good grades by studying.

Gerund phrase, functioning as subject
Eating on the run is one of the most unhealthy American habits.

Gerund phrase, functioning as direct object
The teacher simply cannot excuse sleeping during class.

Gerund phrase, functioning as object of preposition
We found the keys by looking on the ground next to the car.


Infinitives

Infinitives are verbals that are made up of the word to and a verb.
Infinitives may function as nouns, adjectives or adverbs. Since
infinitives are derived from verbs, they do express actions or states
of being. When infinitives function as adjectives and adverbs, they
are usually found preceding nouns and pronouns in sentences, and when
they function as nouns, they are used as subjects, direct objects and
objects of prepositions. Infinitives (to + verb) should not be
confused with prepositional phrases (to + noun or pronoun).
Infinitives may occur as to + one verb, or they may be part of an
infinitive phrase. Let's take a look at some examples:

Infinitives functioning as nouns
To love is the greatest achievement.

Infinitives functioning as adjectives
Jason's group was the last to arrive.

Infinitives functioning as adverbs
The students must pass the TAKS tests to graduate.

Infinitive phrase functioning as noun
Ranee wanted to arrive at her destination.
They built this house to dedicate themselves to their loving parents.

Infinitive phrase functioning as adjective
The Smiths were the first family in our neighborhood to adopt a child.