Page 148 - SpringBoard_Writing_Workshop_Grade8_Flipbook

Activities 4.2, 4.4, 4.9
Unit 4
Lesson: Verbals and Verbal Phrases
Learning Target
• Explain the function of verbals (gerunds, participles, infinitives) in general and their function in particular sentences.
Verbals and Verbal Phrases
A phrase is a word group that does NOT have both a subject and a verb and that functions as a part of speech, such as a noun or modifier (adjective or adverb). There are many different kinds of phrases. You can enliven your writing by using phrases to vary your syntax and add detail.
A verbal is a verb form that is used as a noun, adjective, or adverb. A verbal phrase is a word group that contains a verbal and its modifiers and complements and that acts as a noun, adjective, or adverb.
A participle is a verb form, often ending in –ing, that can be used as an adjective. A participial phrase includes a participle and any modifiers or objects of the participle.
There are eight planets revolving around the sun. [The phrase modifies planets.]
Casting a silvery light, the stars glow brightly tonight. [The phrase modifies stars.]
A gerund is a verb form ending in –ing that is used as a noun. A gerund phrase includes a gerund and any
modifiers or objects of the gerund.
The twinkling of stars is caused by the passing of light through different layers of an atmosphere in motion. [The twinkling of stars is a gerund phrase acting as the subject of the sentence. The gerund phrase the passing of light is the object of the preposition by.]
An infinitive is a verb form that is preceded by to and that can be used as a noun, adjective, or adverb. An infinitive phrase includes an infinitive and any modifiers or objects of the infinitive.
To study astronomy is my goal. [The phrase is a noun that is the subject of the sentence.]
We will use a telescope to see the rings of Saturn. [The phrase is an adverb modifying will use.]
Subjects to study include galaxies and our solar system. [The phrase is an adjective that modifies subjects.]
Grammar Activities • Unit 4 1
© 2017 College Board. All rights reserved.