Mastering Infinitives, Participles, and Gerunds

Front

What is an infinitive?

Back

An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by 'to'. Example: 'to run', 'to eat'.

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What is a gerund?

Back

A gerund is a verb form that ends in '-ing' and functions as a noun. Example: 'Running is fun.'

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What is a participle?

Back

A participle is a verb form that can function as an adjective. There are present participles (ending in '-ing') and past participles (usually ending in '-ed' or irregular forms). Example: 'The running water is cold.'

Front

Identify the function of an infinitive in a sentence.

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An infinitive can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb. Example: 'To win is important.' (noun)

Front

Identify the function of a gerund in a sentence.

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A gerund functions as a noun. Example: 'Swimming is my favorite sport.'

Front

Identify the function of a participle in a sentence.

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A participle functions as an adjective. Example: 'The broken vase was on the floor.'

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What is an infinitive phrase?

Back

An infinitive phrase includes the infinitive and any modifiers or complements. Example: 'to read a book quickly'.

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What is a gerund phrase?

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A gerund phrase includes the gerund and any modifiers or complements. Example: 'Running in the park every morning'.

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What is a participial phrase?

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A participial phrase includes the participle and any modifiers or complements. Example: 'Barking loudly, the dog chased the cat.'

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How do you identify an infinitive in a sentence?

Back

Look for the word 'to' followed by a verb. Example: 'She wants to dance.' (infinitive: 'to dance').