Introduction to Gerunds and Infinitives:- Gerunds and infinitives are verb forms that are commonly used in English grammar. They both function as nouns, and they can be used as subjects, objects, and complements in a sentence. Understanding the use of gerunds and infinitives is essential for effective communication in English. In this post, we will cover the basics of gerunds and infinitives in English grammar, including their definition, usage, and common mistakes to avoid.
Gerunds: Definition and Uses
A gerund is a verb form that ends in “-ing” and functions as a noun in a sentence. Gerunds can be used in a variety of ways, including as subjects, objects, and complements. For example, “Swimming is good exercise” (gerund used as the subject), “I enjoy swimming” (gerund used as the object), and “His favorite activity is swimming” (gerund used as the complement).
Gerunds can also be used after prepositions, such as “She is good at painting,” and in passive constructions, such as “The painting was done by her.”
Infinitives: Definition and Uses
An infinitive is a verb form that is preceded by “to” and functions as a noun in a sentence. Infinitives can be used in a variety of ways, including as subjects, objects, and complements. For example, “To swim is good exercise” (infinitive used as the subject), “I want to swim” (infinitive used as the object), and “His favorite activity is to swim” (infinitive used as the complement).
Infinitives can also be used after certain verbs, such as “I hope to see you soon,” and after adjectives, such as “She is eager to learn.”
Gerunds vs. Infinitives: Key Differences
Gerunds and infinitives can be used in similar ways, but there are some key differences between them. One of the main differences is that gerunds are formed by adding “-ing” to the base form of a verb, while infinitives are formed by adding “to” before the base form of a verb.
Another key difference is that gerunds are often used to talk about actions or activities, while infinitives are often used to talk about intentions or purposes. For example, “I love swimming” (gerund used to talk about an activity) versus “I want to swim” (infinitive used to talk about an intention).
Verbs that Take Gerunds or Infinitives
Some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, while others can only be followed by one or the other. It’s important to know which verbs take gerunds or infinitives, as using the wrong form can result in a grammatically incorrect sentence.
Verbs that take gerunds include “enjoy,” “appreciate,” and “avoid.” For example, “I enjoy swimming,” “She appreciates reading,” and “He avoids eating meat.”
Verbs that take infinitives include “hope,” “want,” and “plan.” For example, “I hope to see you soon,” “She wants to learn Spanish,” and “He plans to travel next year.”
Using Gerunds and Infinitives as Subjects
Gerunds and infinitives can be used as subjects of a sentence. In this case, they function as the noun that performs the action of the sentence. For example, “Swimming is good exercise” (gerund used as the subject) and “To speak English is essential” (infinitive used as the subject).
Using Gerunds and Infinitives as Objects
Gerunds and infinitives can also be used as objects of a sentence. In this case, they function
as the noun that receives the action of the sentence. For example, “I enjoy swimming” (gerund used as the object) and “She wants to learn Spanish” (infinitive used as the object).
Using Gerunds and Infinitives after Prepositions
Gerunds are often used after prepositions, such as “She is good at painting,” “I am interested in learning Spanish,” and “He is afraid of flying.” Infinitives can also be used after prepositions, such as “She is eager to learn” and “He is excited about the opportunity to travel.”
Gerunds and Infinitives in Passive Constructions
Gerunds and infinitives can also be used in passive constructions, where the subject of the sentence receives the action of the verb. For example, “The painting was done by her” (gerund used in the passive construction) and “To be loved is the greatest happiness” (infinitive used in the passive construction).
Common Mistakes with Gerunds and Infinitives
One of the most common mistakes with gerunds and infinitives is using the wrong form after a verb. For example, saying “I enjoy to swim” instead of “I enjoy swimming.”
Another common mistake is using gerunds and infinitives in the wrong position in a sentence. For example, saying “To learn Spanish, is important” instead of “It is important to learn Spanish.”
Exercises and Practice Activities for Gerunds and Infinitives
To improve your understanding of gerunds and infinitives, it’s important to practice using them in different contexts. Here are some exercises and practice activities you can try:
- Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb in parentheses (gerund or infinitive):
- She enjoys (swim) ________.
- I want (learn) ________ French.
- He likes (play) ________ tennis.
- They plan (travel) ________ to Europe next year.
- Rewrite the sentences using a gerund or infinitive as indicated:
- He stopped smoking. (rewrite using a gerund)
- She hopes to win the competition. (rewrite using an infinitive)
- They are afraid of flying. (rewrite using a gerund)
Conclusion and Review of Key Points
Gerunds and infinitives are important verb forms in English grammar that function as nouns in a sentence. They can be used in a variety of ways, including as subjects, objects, and complements. Understanding the differences between gerunds and infinitives, as well as which verbs take each form, is essential for effective communication in English. With practice and attention to detail, you can improve your use of gerunds and infinitives and avoid common mistakes.
