Mastering English grammar involves learning the nuances of its components, and two such components are gerunds and infinitives. They may seem similar, but each serves a distinct purpose and is essential for effective communication in English.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the differences between gerunds and infinitives, their usage, common mistakes, and provide practical exercises to help you master these forms.
Understanding these grammar rules will significantly boost your fluency, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner.
What is a Gerund?
A gerund is the -ing form of a verb that functions as a noun in a sentence. It allows us to turn actions into subjects or objects. For example, in the sentence Swimming is my favorite sport, swimming is a gerund acting as the subject.
What is an Infinitive?
An infinitive is the to form of a verb (e.g., to eat, to run). Infinitives are versatile because they can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. In the sentence She wants to leave, to leave is an infinitive that acts as the object of the verb wants.
Importance of Gerunds and Infinitive
Gerunds and infinitives play a crucial role in constructing sentences, especially when talking about actions, preferences, and intentions. Knowing when to use each form can make your speech and writing more natural and grammatically correct.
Examples:
Usage of Gerunds
As the Subject of a Sentence
Gerunds can take the place of a noun in the subject position. For instance, “Running is good for your health.” In this sentence, running is the gerund, and it is the main focus of the sentence. Here, we are talking about the activity itself.Â
As the Object of a Verb
Some verbs are followed by gerunds rather than infinitives.
- Example: She enjoys painting.
The verb enjoy is commonly followed by a gerund. We wouldn’t say, She enjoys to paint. This is because enjoy belongs to a category of verbs that require a gerund.
Common verbs followed by gerunds: enjoy, avoid, consider, suggest, finish.
After Prepositions
When a verb comes after a preposition, it must be in gerund form.
Example: He is good at cooking.
The preposition at is followed by the gerund cooking. This is a standard rule in English.
After Certain Expressions
Certain expressions require gerunds. These include phrases like can’t help, it’s no use, there’s no point in, and worth.
Example: It’s no use worrying about the past.
Usage of Infinitive
As the Subject or Object
Infinitives can also function as the subject or object of a sentence.
Example: To learn is essential.
Here, to learn is the subject of the sentence. While gerunds can also act as subjects, using an infinitive gives the sentence a slightly different tone, often indicating purpose or intent.
When used as an object, infinitives follow certain verbs.
Example: She hopes to travel soon.
In this case, the infinitive to travel follows the verb hopes and expresses her desire or intent.
Common verbs followed by infinitives: decide, hope, plan, learn, promise.
After Adjectives
Infinitives often follow adjectives to express actions related to the adjective.
Example: It’s important to practice every day.
In this sentence, the adjective important is followed by the infinitive to practice, emphasizing the necessity of the action.
To Express Purpose
Infinitives are frequently used to express the purpose or reason for an action.
Example: He went to the store to buy groceries.
Here, to buy explains why he went to the store.
Verbs Followed by Either Gerunds or Infinitives
Some verbs can be followed by both gerunds and infinitives, but the meaning changes depending on which one is used.
Verbs That Change Meaning
Example: I stopped smoking (meaning: I quit the habit of smoking) vs. I stopped to smoke (meaning: I paused what I was doing in order to smoke).
Certain verbs, such as stop, try, forget, and remember, change meaning depending on whether they are followed by a gerund or an infinitive.
Verbs with No Change in Meaning
Some verbs can take either form without changing the meaning.
Example: I like swimming / I like to swim.
Here, both sentences mean the same thing. Verbs like like, love, and hate fall into this category.
Verbs and Expressions with Gerunds and Infinitives
Here’s a quick list of verbs that are commonly followed by gerunds and infinitives:
Common Verbs Followed by Gerunds
- Enjoy: I enjoy swimming.
- Avoid: He avoided talking to her.
- Consider: She considered moving to New York.
- Finish: They finished eating.
Common Verbs Followed by Infinitives
- Decide: She decided to leave early.
- Plan: We plan to visit France next year.
- Hope: I hope to finish my project soon.
Verbs Followed by Either Gerunds or Infinitives (with no significant change in meaning)
- Begin: She began singing / She began to sing.
- Start: He started working / He started to work.
Practice Activities
To reinforce your understanding of gerunds and infinitives, try the following practice exercises:
Fill in the Blank Exercise
Complete the sentences by choosing the correct form (gerund or infinitive):
- She enjoys ______ (run) in the morning.
- They plan ______ (visit) their grandparents next week.
- It’s no use ______ (worry) about the test now.
Sentence Transformation
Rewrite the following sentences using the correct form of the verb:
- I like to read. → I like reading.
- He stopped to play. → He stopped playing.
Error Correction
Find the errors in the following sentences and correct them:
- She decided going to the party.
- They avoid to speak in public.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between gerunds and infinitives is essential for fluent communication in English. While they may seem tricky at first, practicing their use in sentences will help you gain confidence. Remember that certain verbs require gerunds, others require infinitives, and some verbs can take both with a slight change in meaning. By familiarizing yourself with these patterns and practicing regularly, you’ll become more proficient and accurate in your use of gerunds and infinitives.
I hope this article helped you to learn the differences between gerunds and infinitives, their usage, common mistakes, and provide practical exercises to help you master these forms.
If you liked it, please subscribe to our newsletter for more articles on grammar, vocabulary, and language learning.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for the latest updates.