Name Date

Lesson
4 Verbal Phrases Reteaching
A verbal phrase consists of a verbal and any modifiers or complements it
may have.
A gerund phrase consists of a gerund plus its modifiers and complements. Like a
gerund, the entire phrase is used as a noun.
Flying a kite can be fun. (Kite is the complement-object of flying; the gerund phrase
Flying a kite is used as the subject of the sentence.)
There are also useful reasons for flying a kite. (used as object of preposition)

A participial phrase consists of a participle plus its modifiers and complements.

The entire phrase modifies a noun or pronoun.
Flying a kite in a storm, Benjamin Franklin was almost hit by lightning. (The participial
phrase Flying a kite in a storm modifies Benjamin Franklin.)

An infinitive phrase consists of an infinitive plus its modifiers and complements.

The entire phrase functions as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb.
Ben decided to fly a kite in a storm to test his theory about lightning. (The first infinitive
phrase is used as a noun, telling what Ben decided; the second is used as an
adverb, telling why.)

Identifying Verbals and Verbal Phrases

Identify each boldfaced verbal phrase by writing gerund phrase, participial phrase,
or infinitive phrase on the line to the right.

1. Using the kite string as an electrical conductor, Franklin

captured a bit of lightning. _______________________

2. The electricity captured during his experiment was safely

stored in a Leyden jar. _______________________

3. Franklin’s surviving the process was a kind of scientific miracle. _______________________

4. Knowing how dangerous it was, Franklin surely would never

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have attempted his kite experiment. _______________________

5. I remember how my father loved flying kites. _______________________

6. He loved to get out in the city park on a windy autumn afternoon. _______________________ CHAPTER 7

7. But he always warned me never to fly a kite in a storm. _______________________

8. Using balsa sticks and tissue paper, he made me my first kite. _______________________

9. I remember thinking it was not very handsome. _______________________

10. I’d give anything to have that kite now. _______________________

11. Remembering my first kite brings back a lot of other memories. _______________________

12. Remembering my first kite, I’d like to make a kite for my son. _______________________

For use with Pupil’s Edition pp. 176–177 GRAMMAR, USAGE, AND MECHANICS WORKBOOK 145
 Name Date

Lesson
4 Verbal Phrases More Practice
A. Identifying Verbals and Verbal Phrases
Underline every verbal and verbal phrase in these sentences. If a sentence has
more than one verbal or verbal phrase, use double underlining on the second one.
1. Anybody devoted to personal fitness should try to walk more.
2. After running, I only wanted to take a nap.
3. A flying trapeze is not the best equipment to exercise on.
4. Sailing inspired Henry to write poetry.
5. My least favorite exercise is running.
6. To build up muscles for running, Ari walked a mile a day.
7. Injured in the fall, Evelyn considered dropping out of the race.
8. Larry, surrounded by guards, decided to toss the ball at the basket.
9. Tony wanted to start a career in acting.
10. When people try to sail around the world, what do they do about receiving
mail?

B. Identifying Verbals and Verbal Phrases

Identify each boldfaced verbal phrase in two ways. First, write GP, PP, or IP for
gerund phrase, participial phrase, or infinitive phrase. Second, write how the
phrase is used: NS, NO, ADJ, or ADV (for Noun as Subject, Noun as Object of verb
or preposition, Adjective, or Adverb).

1. To do your best, you must develop a positive attitude. ______________

2. Abner wanted to try out for the basketball team. ______________

3. Watching you try out, I decided I should too. ______________

4. To win was not his objective. ______________

5. Running track is what Jackie lives for. ______________

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6. Inspired by Ronald’s attitude, we tried harder. ______________

7. In the sixth inning, Val scored the run tying the game. ______________

8. I prefer sailing my boat to work. ______________

CHAPTER 7

9. My brother always likes a peanut butter sandwich after swimming. ______________

10. Observing your performance, I learned a lot. ______________

146 GRAMMAR, USAGE, AND MECHANICS WORKBOOK For use with Pupil’s Edition pp. 176–177
 Name Date

Lesson
4 Verbal Phrases Application
A. Using Verbals and Verbal Phrases
What do you know about kites? Write sentences about kites using the verbal
phrases identified in parentheses. Underline your verbal phrase.

1. (gerund phrase) ________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

2. (participial phrase) ______________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

3. (infinitive phrase) ________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

B. Using Verbals and Verbal Phrases

Complete each sentence with a verbal or verbal phrase. On the numbered lines
below, identify the verbal you supplied in two ways. First, write G, P, or I for
gerund, participle, or infinitive. Second, write how the verbal is used: N, N, ADJ, or
ADV for noun, adjective, or adverb.

Have you ever flown a kite? (1) _______________________ is not difficult.

You need (2) _______________________ a kite and string. The easiest way
to launch a kite is (3) _______________________ into the wind,
(4) _______________________ the kite aloft, until the wind lifts it into the sky.

(5) _______________________ by the wind, the kite will gain and lose altitude.
Listen to the taut string (6) _______________________ in the wind.
You’ll want (7) _______________________ back often to the park
(8) _______________________ your kite.
Copyright © McDougal Littell Inc.

1. _________________________________ 5. _________________________________

2. _________________________________ 6. _________________________________

3. _________________________________ 7. _________________________________
CHAPTER 7

4. _________________________________ 8. _________________________________

For use with Pupil’s Edition pp. 176–177 GRAMMAR, USAGE, AND MECHANICS WORKBOOK 147