Verbals are words that resemble or look like verbs, but they function as either nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.

We call them imposter verbs, because they will try to confuse you into thinking they are verbs, but they are really not!

Participles

Gerunds

Infinitives

A participle is a verb form that acts as an ADJECTIVE (describes a noun). They end in either –ing or –ed.

Ex: The cheering crowd yelled and screamed.

“Cheering” describes the crowd.

The wishing well is a favorite attraction at the park.

“Wishing” is the participle because it looks like a verb, ends in –ing, and acts as an adjective, describing the noun “well”.

The stunned grasshopper jumped out of the way of the man’s foot.

“Stunned” is the participle because it looks like a verb, ends in –ed, and acts as an adjective describing “grasshopper”.

The participle might not be found right beside the noun it describes…for example:

Stunned by the man’s foot, the grasshopper jumped out of the way.

“Stunned” is still the participle, and it still modifies “grasshopper”.

Wishing on a star, Kendall thought that her dreams might come true.

Where is the participle?

“Wishing” is the participle, and it describes the noun “Kendall”.

Gerunds look like verbs, but they act as nouns. They always end in –ing.

Camping is so much fun!

“Camping” is the gerund because it looks like a verb, acts like a noun, and ends in –ing.

Swimming is Tom’s favorite summertime activity.

“Swimming” is the gerund because it looks like a verb, acts like a noun, and ends in –ing.

Wallace loves singing in the choir.

Where is the gerund?

“Singing” is the gerund because it looks like a verb, acts like a noun, and ends in

--Ing.

Infinitives are the word “to” plus a verb. They can act as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.

To run, to jump, to play, to cry, to climb

To exercise is essential for good health.(acts as a noun)

I plan to exercise daily to improve my health. (adverb) (adjective)

I love to run in marathons.

I don’t understand why others do not want to participate in the discussion.

“To run” is an infinitive because it starts with the word “to” and adds a verb, and it acts as an adverb describing the verb “love”.

“To participate is an infinitive because it starts with the word “to” and adds a verb, and it also acts as an adverb describing the verb “do want”.

What are the three types of verbals, or imposter verbs?

Participles- end in –ed or –ing. Act as adjectives.

Gerunds- end in –ing. Act as nouns

Infinitives- “to” + verb. Act as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.