A verbal is a word that looks like a verb in that it implies some kind of action, but it is not functioning as a finite verb.
| Verbs: | Verbals: |
| Always have a subject. | Never have a subject. |
| Can take an object. | Can take an object. |
| Called “finite verbs” because they are limited by a subject | Are never limited by a subject. |
| Every clause must have its own subject and verb. | Can never be the main verb of a clause (b/c they aren’t verbs). |
In English, there are three kinds of verbals: participles; gerunds; infinitives. They function as follows:
- Gerunds are always substantives;
- Participles are always adjectival;
- Infinitives can be adverbial, adjectival or substantives.
See also Greek participles or Hebrew participles.