NOMINALS

Nominals are words (such as pronouns and gerunds), phrases, or clauses which perform the functions of nouns.

Functions: subject, direct object, indirect object, predicate noun, object complement, object of a preposition, etc.

Kinds: There are six kinds of nominals in English:

1. Pronoun, which can widely replace a noun (e.g. he, she, it, etc.)
2. Gerund, which looks like a verb with -ing ending but functions as a noun (e.g.: Reading is my hobby.)
3. Noun-infinitive, which also looks like a verb (mostly preceded by to) with present and perfect forms but acts as a noun (e.g.: To eat is good).
4. Substantive, which is an adjective used as a noun (e.g.: The pure are happy).
5. Noun Phrase, which is a group of words without a finite verb used as a single noun. (e.g.: A stitch in time saves nine).
6. Noun Clause, which is a group of words having a subject and a finite verb used as a single noun (e.g.: That you are ignorant of the law is a flimsy excuse).