Definition of Gerunds and Infinitives
Gerunds and infinitives are verb forms that function as nouns in English sentences, allowing us to express actions or states in various ways.
A gerund is the -ing form of a verb used as a noun (e.g., "Swimming is fun"). An infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by "to" (e.g., "To swim is fun").
Swimming is good exercise.
Swimming is good exercise.
Swimming is good exercise.
To swim every day is healthy.
To swim every day is healthy.
To swim every day is healthy.
When to Use Gerunds
Gerunds are commonly used:
- As the subject of a sentence: Reading helps you learn.
- After prepositions: She is good at singing.
- After certain verbs that prefer gerunds (e.g., enjoy, avoid, consider).
I enjoy reading books.
I enjoy reading books.
I enjoy reading books.
He is interested in learning Spanish.
He is interested in learning Spanish.
He is interested in learning Spanish.
When to Use Infinitives
Infinitives are often used:
- To express purpose: I study to improve.
- After certain verbs that prefer infinitives (e.g., want, decide, hope).
- After adjectives: It is easy to learn.
She wants to travel the world.
She wants to travel the world.
She wants to travel the world.
It is important to arrive early.
It is important to arrive early.
It is important to arrive early.
Verbs Followed by Gerunds
Some verbs are always followed by gerunds. Here are common examples:
| Verb | Example |
|---|---|
| enjoy | I enjoy cooking. |
| avoid | She avoids talking loudly. |
| consider | They considered moving abroad. |
| finish | He finished writing the report. |
She enjoys painting landscapes.
She enjoys painting landscapes.
She enjoys painting landscapes.
Verbs Followed by Infinitives
Some verbs are followed by infinitives. Common verbs include:
| Verb | Example |
|---|---|
| want | I want to learn French. |
| decide | She decided to stay home. |
| hope | They hope to arrive early. |
| plan | We plan to visit Europe. |
He hopes to pass the exam.
He hopes to pass the exam.
He hopes to pass the exam.
Verbs Followed by Both Gerunds and Infinitives
Some verbs can be followed by either gerunds or infinitives, but the meaning changes:
| Verb | Gerund Example | Infinitive Example | Meaning Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| remember | I remember locking the door. | Remember to lock the door. | Gerund: recall past action; Infinitive: don't forget to do |
| stop | He stopped smoking. | He stopped to smoke. | Gerund: quit activity; Infinitive: pause to do something else |
She stopped talking when the teacher entered.
She stopped talking when the teacher entered.
She stopped talking when the teacher entered.
She stopped to answer the phone.
She stopped to answer the phone.
She stopped to answer the phone.
Practice Examples
Try to identify whether the verb should be followed by a gerund or an infinitive in the following sentences:
I enjoy ________ (read) books in my free time.
I enjoy reading books in my free time.
I enjoy reading books in my free time.
She decided ________ (go) to the party.
She decided to go to the party.
She decided to go to the party.
They stopped ________ (eat) because they were full.
They stopped eating because they were full.
They stopped eating because they were full.
We hope ________ (visit) Italy next year.
We hope to visit Italy next year.
We hope to visit Italy next year.
Tips for Remembering Rules
To master gerunds and infinitives, keep these tips in mind:
- Memorize common verbs followed by gerunds and infinitives separately.
- Understand that gerunds often refer to general or completed actions, while infinitives often express intentions or future actions.
- Use context clues to determine if the meaning changes when using gerunds or infinitives with certain verbs.
- Practice regularly with example sentences and exercises.
Remember: "enjoy" + gerund, "want" + infinitive.
Remember: "enjoy" + gerund, "want" + infinitive.
Remember: "enjoy" + gerund, "want" + infinitive.