Verbal Phrases

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What is a participial phrase?

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A participial phrase is a group of words that includes a participle (a verb form used as an adjective) and any modifiers or complements. It describes a noun or pronoun in a sentence. Example: 'Saddened by the loss of his wife, the man preferred to live alone.'

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What is an infinitive phrase?

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An infinitive phrase consists of the word 'to' followed by a verb and can include modifiers and complements. It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb. Example: 'To sleep until noon is his idea of a perfect vacation.'

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What is a gerund phrase?

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A gerund phrase is a group of words that includes a gerund (a verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun) and any modifiers or complements. Example: 'Knowing how to deal with the public is important for a salesperson.'

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Identify the phrase: 'Moving noiselessly' in the sentence: 'Moving noiselessly, the panther stalked her prey.'

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'Moving noiselessly' is a participial phrase.

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Identify the phrase: 'To ease the tension' in the sentence: 'The president tried to ease the tension between the two countries.'

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'To ease the tension' is an infinitive phrase.

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Identify the phrase: 'Knowing how to deal with the public' in the sentence: 'Knowing how to deal with the public is an important part of a salesperson's job.'

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'Knowing how to deal with the public' is a gerund phrase.

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

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A participial phrase functions as an adjective, providing more information about a noun or pronoun.

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What is the function of an infinitive phrase in a sentence?

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An infinitive phrase can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb, depending on its use in the sentence.

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

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A gerund phrase functions as a noun in a sentence.

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Example of a participial phrase in a sentence.

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Example: 'The dog, barking loudly, chased the cat.'