Lesson 8

Verbals in the Sentence

Advanced: how a complete verbal phrase can act as the subject or direct object of a sentence.

Verbals as Part of the Sentence Structure

In Lesson 3 we focused on spotting verbal phrases. Now we go one step further: a verbal phrase can actually function as a grammatical part of the sentence — as the subject or as the direct object.

Remember the rule: individual words inside a verbal phrase cannot be the subject or main verb. But the complete phrase taken together can act as the subject or object of the sentence.

Verbal Phrases as the Subject

The entire verbal phrase acts as the "thing" the sentence is about.

[ To read ] is enjoyable.
[ To read a book (in the morning) ] is enjoyable.
Swimming is my favorite way to stay fit.
[ Swimming (in the ocean) ] is my favorite summer activity.
To travel the world is her greatest dream.
[ Running (every morning) ] keeps him healthy.
To listen carefully is essential (for good communication).
To cook well requires practice.
[ Eating healthy food ] improves your energy.
[ Working together ] makes the task easier.

Verbal Phrases as the Direct Object

The verbal phrase is the thing that receives the action of the main verb — it answers what?

She wants to travel.
He proposed building a new house.
He hopes to finish his homework.
They resisted joining the club.
They decided to go on a road trip.
She mentioned [ seeing him (at the party) ].
We plan to start a new project.
We tried baking a cake.
She wants to visit Paris.
She enjoys reading books.
He needs to finish his homework.
They discussed going to the beach.
They avoid talking about the problem.
She loves playing the piano.
She decided to learn Spanish.
They enjoy [ hiking (in the mountains) ].
He offered [ to drive us (to the airport) ].
He admitted [ cheating (on the test) ].
We practiced speaking Spanish.
She dislikes eating vegetables.
He suggested [ going (for a walk) ].
He likes to play chess.
She finished writing her report.