e A gerund phrase consists of a gerund and the words associated with it. Like present participles, gerunds are verb forms that end in —ing. Unlike participles, though, they function as nouns rather than as adjectives or adverbs. O Kathryn’s hobby is collecting stamps. (gerund phrase as subject complement) O Kathryn’s hobby, collecting stamps, has made her more friends. (gerund phrase as appositive) O He devoted every spare moment to overhauling the car. (gerund phrase as object of preposition.) e An infinitive phrase consist of the present principal part of a verb preceded by to (to fix, to eat), together with any accompanying wotds. These phrases serve as adjectives, adverbs, and nouns. oO This looks like a good place to plant the shrub. (infinitive phrase as adjective) © Lenore worked to earn money for college. (infinitive phrase as adverb) Oo My goal is to have my own business some day. (infinitive phrase as noun) Parts of Speech: Clauses A clause is a word group that includes a subject and a predicate. An independent clause, sometimes called a main, expresses a complete though and can function as a simple sentence. A subordinate clause, or dependent clause, cannot stand by itself. Subordinate clauses may serve as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. e A noun clause can serve in any of the ways that ordinary nouns can. 21