CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.1a
The Standard
Explain the function of verbals (gerunds, participles, infinitives) in general and their function in particular sentences.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
What This Standard Means
Students need to recognize gerunds, participles, and infinitives, then explain what each one is doing in a sentence. They should know that a gerund acts like a noun, a participle acts like an adjective, and an infinitive often acts like a noun, adjective, or adverb.
Mastery looks like more than labeling. Students can point to the verbal, name its job, and explain how it affects meaning. Common trouble spots are confusing gerunds with action verbs, missing participial phrases, and assuming every “to” phrase is an infinitive.
Ways to Teach It
- Hands-on: Give sentence strips with verbals, and have students sort them into gerund, participle, and infinitive columns with function labels.
- Prompt: Write one sentence using “running” as a noun and one using “running” as an adjective, then explain the difference.
- Quick assessment: Project five sentences, have students underline each verbal and write its function in three words or fewer.
- Real-world connection: Use a sports article and ask students to find three verbals that describe actions, people, or goals.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.1a
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.3.1a
Explain the function of nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs in general and their functions in particular sentences.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.1a
Explain the function of conjunctions, prepositions, and interjections in general and their function in particular sentences.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.3.1d
Form and use regular and irregular verbs.