What Are Infinitives?
An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word "to." Examples include: to eat, to dance, to learn.
Uses of Infinitives
- As the subject of a sentence: To read is my favorite hobby.
- As the object of a verb: She wants to visit Paris.
- After adjectives: It's difficult to understand this concept.
- To express purpose: He left early to catch the train.
Examples of Infinitives
To run every morning is healthy.
I hope to travel the world someday.
She is eager to join the team.
What Are Gerunds?
A gerund is a verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun. Examples include: reading, swimming, dancing.
Uses of Gerunds
- As the subject of a sentence: Swimming is great exercise.
- As the object of a verb: I enjoy reading novels.
- After prepositions: They are good at solving puzzles.
- In compound nouns: His driving skills are impressive.
Examples of Gerunds
Running in the morning keeps me active.
She loves painting landscapes.
We are looking forward to meeting you.
Infinitive vs. Gerund
Some verbs can be followed by either an infinitive or a gerund, but the meaning may change:
- Stop + gerund: He stopped smoking. (He quit smoking.)
- Stop + infinitive: He stopped to smoke. (He paused to smoke.)
Common Verbs Followed by Gerunds or Infinitives
Gerunds: enjoy, avoid, consider, finish, suggest
Infinitives: decide, hope, learn, want, promise
Both: begin, like, hate, prefer, continue
Practice Exercises
- Identify the infinitive: "He decided to study law." (Answer: to study)
- Identify the gerund: "Swimming is fun." (Answer: Swimming)
- Choose the correct form: "I enjoy ___ (to read/reading) novels." (Answer: reading)
- Rewrite: "She stopped to talk to her friend." (Change the infinitive to a gerund.)
- Write a sentence using both a gerund and an infinitive.