A verbal is like a verb in different ways. For example-

(a) A verbal may have exactly the same form as a verb (§ 62, § 64, § 65).

(b) If a verbal is a form of an attributive verb, it expresses the same idea as the verb from which it is formed. The word discouraged, in the sentence, She has discouraged the child, expresses the same action that the verb discourage does in You discourage the child. Here this form is a verbal. But the same form in the sentence, The child is discouraged expresses condition instead of action. Here it is not enough like a verb to be a verbal. It is a kind of word not yet studied. In the sentence, The horse is excited, the word excited shows condition instead of action, and so is not a verbal. But the same form in the sentence, The horse was excited by the boys, expresses an action performed by the boys, and so is a verbal.

(c) A verbal formed from a transitive verb often has an object. In the sentence, The man carrying a hoe is a gardener, the verbal carrying has an object, just as the verb carries has in He carries a hoe.

Exercise 72

Select verbs and verbals in the following sentences. Of what verb is each a form? Find verbals used in these constructions:1 subject, predicate attribute of identity, object.

1 Consider the word to used with the root form as a part of it and describe the two words together (§ 65).

What part of speech are these verbals used like? Find others used as predicate attributes of action.

1. Chopping wood is good exercise.

2. Anna enjoys writing letters.

3. To see is to believe.

4. Seeing is believing.

5. He is writing a letter.

6. I expect to attend the fair.

7. She began to read the letter.

8. The book was bought yesterday.

9. You should go at once.

10. Her greatest fault is speaking too hastily.

11. She forgot to come to the rehearsal.

12. You will fall.

13. To finish the work may tire you.

Exercise 73

Each of the following words is the root form of a verb: water, shade, whip, pick. Show in sentences that each can be used either as a verb or as a verbal. Show also that each can be used as an ordinary noun with no verbal force.