When a verb isn't a verb

But without "have" or some other auxiliary, they're just part of a real verb. Hence the name participle.

But unlike gerunds, which function as nouns, the participle's function is basically that of an adjective. That is, they describe a noun.

Now, with gerunds and participles under your belt, you've entered the final stretch, with just one more to go. "Infinitives," as you probably know, are the base form of a verb plus "to." "To walk," "to be," to laugh," "to dance" ? these are all verbs in the infinitive form.

And usually, they're not acting as verbs.

In the sentence, "I love to dance," the infinitive "to dance" is actually the object of the action. It is the thing I love. And a thing, we know, is a noun.

In, "He really came to play," the verb is "came." The infinitive "to play" modifies the verb.

Therefore, the infinitive is actually functioning as an adverb.

In, "He has an urge to run," the infinitive modifies a noun, and therefore its function is really that of an adjective.

See? I told you it wasn't that painful.

Which means I can sleep soundly tonight knowing that I haven't subjected you to verbal abuse.