Embedded Thoughts: Recognizing Verbal Phrases A verbal phrase is a verbal plus its completers and modifiers. Like the verb it came from, a verbal may take a completer and modifiers. Boiling* uses up more energy than frying* does. (verbals stand alone, without phrases) {Boiling* eggs} uses up more energy than {frying* them} does. (verbals take completers, creating verbal phrases) {Boiling* an egg in the winter} will heat your kitchen a bit. (verbal takes a completer and modifier, creating a verbal phrase) An embedded verbal phrase functions as a unit, acting the way a single word might to play a single role in a larger sentence: The water is wonderful. (noun subject, verb, completer) {Swimming* in your pool} is wonderful. (verbal phrase subject, verb, completer) I'm expecting friends. (subject, verb, noun completer) I'm expecting {to see* my friends}. (subject, verb, verbal phrase completer) Because a verbal comes from a verb, it behaves like a verb in several ways. It can take a completer and modifiers. It can also express time and imply action. But a verbal cannot be the verb of a sentence.

Application 8

Application 9

TIP FOR ESL STUDENTS: Click on the ESL icon at left to visit "Infinitive and Gerund Completers" for help in choosing between these two verbals. Practice these forms with a teacher or tutor.

CONTENTS MAIN PAGE 5.1 Writing 5.2 From Independent to Dependent Clause 5.3 Recognizing Dependent Clauses 5.4 From Verb to Verbal 5.5 Recognizing Verbal Phrases 5.6 Combining Sentences by Embedding Thoughts 5.7 Combining Sentences by Compounding Embedded Thoughts 5.8 Review Part 1 5.8 Review Part 2 5.9 Fun With Grammar 5.10 Return to Your Writing 5.11 Mastery Test