Verbal phrases. Verbals are verb forms that do not function as verbs. Instead, they stand in for nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. A verbal phrase is made up of a verbal and any modifiers, objects, or complements. There are three kinds of verbals: participles, gerunds, and infinitives.

participial phrases. A participial phrase always functions as an adjective and can include either a present participle (the crying child) or a past participle (the spoken word).

gerund phrases. A gerund has the same form as a present participle, ending in -ing. But a gerund or a gerund phrase always functions as a noun.

infinitive phrases. An infinitive phrase can function as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb. The infinitive is the to form of a verb: to be, to write.