Communicative Features of Verbals in MODERN English

The present study delves into the multifaceted communicative functions performed by verbals, specifically gerunds, infinitives, and participles, within the framework of contemporary English. These non-finite verb forms, while lacking tense and person inflection, play a crucial role in shaping meaning, conveying nuanced information, and facilitating effective communication across diverse contexts.

The Grammatical Status and Semantic Contribution of Verbals

Verbals, as linguistic entities, occupy a unique position in English grammar. They possess characteristics of both verbs and other parts of speech, such as nouns, adjectives, and adverbs. This hybrid nature allows them to contribute to sentence structure in a variety of ways, adding layers of complexity and expressiveness. For example, a gerund, functioning as a noun, can serve as the subject of a sentence, as in «Swimming is good exercise.» An infinitive, acting as an adjective, can modify a noun, as in «I have a book to read.» A participle can function adverbially, modifying a verb as in «Running quickly, he caught the bus».

Gerunds and Nominalization

Gerunds, often referred to as verbal nouns, are particularly effective in nominalizing actions or processes. This transformation allows speakers and writers to treat activities as concrete entities, making them amenable to discussion and analysis. The use of gerunds contributes to a more concise and efficient style of communication, particularly in formal and academic settings. For instance, instead of saying «When one smokes, one damages one’s health,» one can use the gerund form and state «Smoking damages one’s health.»

Infinitives and Expression of Purpose

Infinitives, both bare and to-infinitives, serve a wide range of communicative purposes. They can express purpose, intention, or obligation, adding crucial information about the motivation behind actions. The «to-infinitive» is often used to indicate the reason for an action, as in «He went to the store to buy milk.» Bare infinitives often follow modal verbs, expressing possibility, necessity, or permission, such as «He must go.»

Participles and Descriptive Power

Participles, both present and past, contribute significantly to the descriptive power of English. They can function as adjectives, modifying nouns and providing additional details about their characteristics. A present participle describes an ongoing action, e.g., «The barking dog woke the neighbors.» A past participle often describes a completed action or a state resulting from an action, as in «The broken window was repaired.» Furthermore, participles can form participial phrases, which add descriptive detail to sentences and create more vivid imagery.

Communicative Functions in Discourse

Beyond their grammatical roles, verbals play a vital role in shaping discourse and influencing how meaning is conveyed in different communicative contexts. Their use can affect the tone, style, and overall impact of a message.

Verbals in Formal and Academic Writing

In formal and academic writing, verbals are often employed to achieve a more objective and concise style. Gerunds, in particular, are favored for their ability to nominalize actions and processes, allowing for more abstract and analytical discussions. The use of infinitives to express purpose and intention also contributes to the clarity and precision of academic discourse. Furthermore, participial phrases can be used to add layers of detail and complexity to arguments, without disrupting the flow of the text.

Verbals in Informal and Conversational Settings

In informal and conversational settings, verbals can add a touch of spontaneity and expressiveness to communication. Participles, in particular, are often used to add descriptive detail and create more vivid imagery. The use of infinitives to express intentions and desires can also add a personal touch to conversations. The choice of verbal structures often reflects the speaker’s or writer’s intention to engage the audience and create a more personal connection.

Conclusion

In conclusion, verbals are not merely grammatical components of the English language; they are powerful communicative tools that contribute significantly to the richness and versatility of expression. Their ability to function as nouns, adjectives, and adverbs, while retaining verbal characteristics, enables them to perform a wide range of communicative functions, from nominalizing actions to expressing purpose and providing descriptive detail. Understanding the communicative features of verbals is essential for mastering the art of effective communication in both formal and informal settings.