Participles, Gerunds & Infinitives

Participles, Gerunds and Infinitives are called verbals. Verbals are words which are formed from a verb but which function as a different part of speech.

PARTICIPLE

A participle is usually formed by adding –ing or –ed to a verb.It functions as an adjective. Examples:

- The singing bird was the main attraction at the event.

- The injured man was waiting for the doctor.

GERUND

A gerund is formed by adding –ing to a verb.It functions as a noun. Examples:

- Swimming is very good for the body.

- Smoking is prohibited in the hospital.

INFINITIVE

An infinitive is formed by using the word ‘to’ before the verb in its stem word.It functions as a noun, adjective or adverb. Examples:

- He was made to clean his room.

- Shalini loves to talk.