Identifying Verbal Phrases

Front

What is a gerund phrase?

Back

A gerund phrase always begins with an -ing verb and functions as a noun in a sentence.

Front

Identify the phrase: 'doing homework' in the sentence 'My least favorite part of school is doing homework.'

Back

Gerund Phrase

Front

What is a participial phrase?

Back

A participial phrase contains a participle (an -ing or past tense verb) and functions as an adjective, describing a noun.

Front

Identify the phrase: 'to use nuclear energy' in the sentence 'The president wants to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.'

Back

Infinitive Phrase

Front

What is an infinitive phrase?

Back

An infinitive phrase begins with 'to' followed by a verb and can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb.

Front

Can a gerund phrase be deleted from a sentence?

Back

No, a gerund phrase cannot always be deleted from a sentence without changing its meaning.

Front

Can a participial phrase be deleted from a sentence?

Back

Yes, a participial phrase can always be deleted from the sentence without changing its core meaning.

Front

Identify the phrase: 'Jumping up and down' in the sentence 'Jumping up and down, the cheerleaders urged the team on.'

Back

Participial Phrase describing the cheerleaders.

Front

What is the function of a gerund phrase in a sentence?

Back

A gerund phrase functions as a noun.

Front

What is the function of a participial phrase in a sentence?

Back

A participial phrase functions as an adjective.