MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Writing Practice Test

Which of the following sentences correctly uses the term "verbals"?

1. Verbals cannot take an object

2. Reading is an important verbal skill

3. All verbals are verbs

4. Verbals can only be used in the past tense

The correct answer is: Reading is an important verbal skill

The term "verbals" refers to forms derived from verbs that function in sentences as different parts of speech rather than as verbs themselves. In this context, the sentence "Reading is an important verbal skill" correctly uses the term "verbals" to highlight that reading—a gerund, which is a type of verbal—represents an action while functioning as a noun. This demonstrates how verbals can express actions or states while taking on roles similar to nouns, adjectives, or adverbs within a sentence. Other options do not accurately reflect the characteristics of verbals. For instance, stating that verbals cannot take an object overlooks the gerund's ability to take an object in a sentence where it acts as a noun. Similarly, suggesting that all verbals are verbs is incorrect because verbals include gerunds, infinitives, and participles, which do not function strictly as verbs but instead take on different grammatical roles. Lastly, the assertion that verbals can only be used in the past tense is inaccurate, as verbals can appear in various tenses and forms. Therefore, the correct answer highlights an essential aspect of verbals and their application in language use.