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The term “verbal sentence” is not a standard grammatical classification in English. However, it is a phrase often used to describe a sentence that contains a verbal phrase. Understanding this concept is key to creating more complex and descriptive sentences. A verbal phrase is a group of words that is built around a non-finite verb form (a verb that doesn’t show tense) and functions as a single part of speech—specifically a noun, adjective, or adverb.
There are three main types of verbal phrases, each serving a different function:
- Gerund Phrase: This phrase begins with a gerund (a verb ending in “-ing” that acts as a noun). The entire phrase functions as a noun in the sentence, serving as the subject, a direct object, or the object of a preposition. For example: “Swimming in the ocean is my favorite summer activity.” Here, the gerund phrase acts as the subject of the sentence.
- Participial Phrase: This phrase begins with a participle (a verb ending in “-ing” or “-ed”) and always functions as an adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun. For example: “The student, nervously tapping his pen, waited for the test to begin.” In this case, the participial phrase modifies the noun “student.”
- Infinitive Phrase: This phrase begins with an infinitive (the word “to” plus a base verb) and can function as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb. For example: “She wants to travel the world.” Here, the infinitive phrase acts as the direct object of the verb “wants.”
In summary, while the term itself is not official, a sentence can be described as “verbal” due to the presence of these phrases. The use of verbal phrases adds descriptive detail and complexity, making sentences more engaging and concise than they would be with a simple subject-verb structure.
