Gerunds and Infinitives

Understanding the difference between gerunds and infinitives is crucial for mastering English grammar. Both are verb forms that can function as nouns, but they are used in different contexts and with specific verbs. This explanation will cover their definitions, usage rules, and provide plenty of examples to illustrate their differences.

Gerunds

A gerund is a verb form that ends in “-ing” and functions as a noun. Gerunds can act as subjects, objects, or complements in sentences. Here are the main ways gerunds are used:

1. As a subject of a sentence:

• Example: “Swimming is a great way to stay fit.”
  • Here, “swimming” is the subject of the sentence.

1. As an object of a verb:

• Example: “She enjoys reading novels.”
  • In this case, “reading” is the object of the verb “enjoys.”

1. As an object of a preposition:

• Example: “He is interested in learning Spanish.”
  • “Learning” is the object of the preposition “in.”

1. As a complement of the subject:

• Example: “Her favorite hobby is painting.”
  • “Painting” complements the subject “hobby.”

Infinitives

An infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by “to” (e.g., “to run,” “to write”). Infinitives can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. Here are the main ways infinitives are used:

1. As a subject of a sentence:

• Example: “To travel is my dream.”
  • Here, “to travel” is the subject of the sentence.

1. As an object of a verb:

• Example: “She decided to move to a new city.”
  • In this case, “to move” is the object of the verb “decided.”

1. As an object of a preposition (though rare):

• Example: “I had no choice but to leave.”
  • “To leave” is the object of the preposition “but.”

1. As a complement of the subject:

• Example: “Her goal is to become a doctor.”
  • “To become” complements the subject “goal.”

1. As an adjective:

• Example: “He has a lot of work to do.”
  • “To do” modifies the noun “work.”

1. As an adverb:

• Example: “She came to help us.”
  • “To help” modifies the verb “came.”

Key Differences Between Gerunds and Infinitives

1. Usage with Certain Verbs:

• Some verbs are followed by gerunds, others by infinitives, and some by both, with a change in meaning. Verbs followed by gerunds:
• Enjoy, consider, suggest, avoid, finish, miss, practice, etc.
• Example: “She enjoys cooking.” Verbs followed by infinitives:
• Decide, hope, plan, learn, want, need, agree, etc.
• Example: “He decided to study harder.” Verbs followed by either gerunds or infinitives (with a change in meaning):
• Remember, forget, stop, try, etc.
• Example: “She stopped smoking.” (She no longer smokes.)
• Example: “She stopped to smoke.” (She paused what she was doing to smoke.)

1. Meaning:

• Sometimes using a gerund or an infinitive changes the meaning of the sentence.
• Example with “remember”:
  • “I remember meeting him.” (I have a memory of this event.)
  • “I remembered to meet him.” (I didn’t forget my obligation to meet him.)

1. Placement in a Sentence:

• Gerunds are often used as subjects or objects of a sentence.
• Infinitives can function as subjects, objects, adjectives, or adverbs.

1. Following Prepositions:

• Gerunds, not infinitives, follow prepositions.
• Example: “He is good at playing the guitar.” (Correct)
• Example: “He is good at to play the guitar.” (Incorrect)

Examples to Illustrate Usage

Using Gerunds:

1. As a subject: “Jogging in the morning keeps me energetic.”
2. As an object: “She dislikes dancing at parties.”
3. After prepositions: “They talked about going to the concert.”
4. As a complement: “One of his hobbies is painting landscapes.”

Using Infinitives:

1. As a subject: “To understand the problem is the first step to solving it.”
2. As an object: “He hopes to visit Europe next year.”
3. After certain verbs: “They agreed to help us with the project.”
4. As an adjective: “She has the ability to inspire others.”
5. As an adverb: “She ran fast to catch the bus.”

Common Mistakes

1. Using the wrong form after certain verbs:

• Incorrect: “He suggested to go to the movies.”
• Correct: “He suggested going to the movies.”

1. Using an infinitive instead of a gerund after a preposition:

• Incorrect: “They are interested in to travel.”
• Correct: “They are interested in traveling.”

1. Using a gerund when an infinitive is required:

• Incorrect: “She decided going home early.”
• Correct: “She decided to go home early.”

Conclusion

Mastering the use of gerunds and infinitives is essential for fluent English writing and speaking. Remember that gerunds end in “-ing” and often function as nouns, while infinitives are the base form of the verb preceded by “to” and can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. By practicing and familiarizing yourself with verbs that require gerunds or infinitives, and understanding the context in which they are used, you can greatly improve your English grammar skills.