Are you struggling with when to use infinitives and gerunds in English? Many language learners find these two verb forms to be particularly challenging. Infinitives are the basic form of a verb, often preceded by 'to,' while gerunds are verb forms that function as nouns and end in '-ing.' In this article, we will explore the correct usage of infinitives and gerunds in English, providing clear examples and practical tips to help you improve your language skills. Whether you're a student, a professional, or simply someone looking to improve your English, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and confidence you need to use infinitives and gerunds correctly in any context.
What's the correct use of infinitives and gerunds in English?
Infinitives and gerunds are two verb forms that can often be used interchangeably in English, but there are certain situations where one is more appropriate than the other. Here are some guidelines for using infinitives and gerunds correctly:
Infinitives
Infinitives are the basic form of a verb, often preceded by "to." They can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. Here are some examples of infinitives used as different parts of speech:
- Noun: To err is human.
- Adjective: It was a difficult decision to make.
- Adverb: She spoke too quietly to hear.
Infinitives are commonly used after certain verbs, such as "want," "need," "try," "hope," and "plan." Here are some examples:
- I want to go to the store.
- She needs to study for her exam.
- They tried to fix the car.
- He hopes to get a promotion.
- We plan to leave tomorrow.
Gerunds
Gerunds are verb forms that function as nouns and end in "-ing." They can be the subject or object of a sentence, or the object of a preposition. Here are some examples of gerunds used as different parts of speech:
- Subject: Swimming is my favorite sport.
- Object: I enjoy swimming.
- Object of a preposition: I'm interested in swimming.
Gerunds are commonly used after certain verbs, such as "enjoy," "avoid," "consider," "admit," and "deny." Here are some examples:
- I enjoy playing soccer.
- She avoids eating junk food.
- They considered buying a new car.
- He admitted stealing the money.
- We deny having any knowledge of the incident.
Infinitives vs. Gerunds
There are certain situations where either an infinitive or a gerund can be used, and the choice depends on the meaning you want to convey. Here are some examples:
- I like to read (infinitive) vs. I like reading (gerund)
- The infinitive "to read" implies that you enjoy the act of reading in general, while the gerund "reading" implies that you enjoy the specific activity of reading.
- She started to cry (infinitive) vs. She started crying (gerund)
- The infinitive "to cry" implies that she began the action of crying, while the gerund "crying" implies that she began crying and continued to do so.
In some cases, only one form is correct. For example:
- I remember to lock the door (incorrect) vs. I remember locking the door (correct)
- The verb "remember" is followed by a gerund, not an infinitive.
- She stopped to talk to him (incorrect) vs. She stopped talking to him (correct)
- The verb "stop" is followed by a gerund, not an infinitive.
In summary, infinitives and gerunds are two important verb forms in English that can be used in a variety of ways. By understanding the guidelines for using them correctly, you can improve your English language skills and communicate more effectively.
Verb + Infinitive or Gerund
When to use infinitives and gerunds after verbs?
After certain verbs, either an infinitive or a gerund can be used, and the choice depends on the meaning you want to convey. Here are some guidelines for using infinitives and gerunds after verbs:
Verbs followed by an infinitive
Some verbs are always followed by an infinitive. Here are some examples:
- agree, decide, expect, fail, hope, learn, manage, offer, plan, promise, refuse, threaten
- I decided to take a break.
- She failed to pass the test.
- They plan to move to a new city.
Verbs followed by a gerund
Other verbs are always followed by a gerund. Here are some examples:
- admit, avoid, consider, deny, discuss, imagine, mention, postpone, suggest
- I admit making a mistake.
- She avoids eating junk food.
- They considered buying a new car.
Verbs followed by either an infinitive or a gerund
Some verbs can be followed by either an infinitive or a gerund, with a change in meaning. Here are some examples:
- begin, continue, hate, like, love, prefer, start
- I started to play the guitar (I began the action of playing the guitar).
- I started playing the guitar (I began playing the guitar and continued to do so).
- She likes to read books (She enjoys the activity of reading books in general).
- She likes reading books (She enjoys the specific activity of reading books).
Verbs followed by an infinitive with "to" or a gerund with a preposition
Some verbs are followed by an infinitive with "to" or a gerund with a preposition. Here are some examples:
- Infinitive with "to": arrange, ask, invite, teach
- She arranged to meet her friends for dinner.
- He asked to speak to the manager.
- Gerund with a preposition: apologize for, complain about, insist on, object to, thank for
- I apologized for arriving late.
- She complained about having to work on the weekend.
In summary, the choice between using an infinitive or a gerund after a verb depends on the specific verb and the meaning you want to convey. By understanding the guidelines for using them correctly, you can improve your English language skills and communicate more effectively.
Infinitive vs Gerund Phrases
What is the difference between infinitive and gerund phrases?
Infinitive and gerund phrases are both verb forms that can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in a sentence. However, there are some key differences between the two.
Infinitive Phrases
Infinitive phrases are made up of an infinitive verb (usually preceded by "to") and any accompanying objects, modifiers, or complements. Here are some examples:
- Noun: To err is human.
- Adjective: It was a difficult decision to make.
- Adverb: She spoke too quietly to hear.
Infinitive phrases can also function as the subject or object of a sentence, or as a complement to a noun or adjective. Here are some examples:
- Subject: To win the game was their only goal.
- Object: I want to go to the store.
- Complement: His dream is to become a doctor.
Gerund Phrases
Gerund phrases are made up of a gerund verb (ending in "-ing") and any accompanying objects, modifiers, or complements. Here are some examples:
- Noun: Swimming is my favorite sport.
- Adjective: I was tired from studying all night.
- Adverb: Having finished the assignment, she went to bed.
Gerund phrases can also function as the subject or object of a sentence, or as a complement to a noun or adjective. Here are some examples:
- Subject: Eating too much junk food is bad for your health.
- Object: I enjoy playing soccer.
- Complement: Her favorite activity is hiking in the mountains.
Differences between Infinitive and Gerund Phrases
The main difference between infinitive and gerund phrases is their tense. Infinitive phrases are always in the present tense, while gerund phrases can be in any tense (present, past, or perfect). Here are some examples:
- Infinitive: I want to go to the store (present tense).
- Gerund: I regret having gone to the store (past perfect tense).
Another difference is that infinitive phrases often express a general or abstract idea, while gerund phrases express a specific action or activity. Here are some examples:
- Infinitive: To love is to risk being hurt (general idea).
- Gerund: Loving someone is a beautiful experience (specific action).
In summary, infinitive and gerund phrases are both important verb forms in English that can function as different parts of speech. By understanding their differences and how to use them correctly, you can improve your English language skills and communicate more effectively.
Adjective + Infinitive or Gerund
How to use infinitives and gerunds after adjectives?
After certain adjectives, either an infinitive or a gerund can be used, and the choice depends on the meaning you want to convey. Here are some guidelines for using infinitives and gerunds after adjectives:
Adjectives followed by an infinitive
Some adjectives are always followed by an infinitive. Here are some examples:
- happy, glad, sad, sorry, proud, lucky, fortunate
- I'm happy to help you.
- She was sorry to hear about the accident.
- They were proud to win the competition.
Adjectives followed by a gerund
Other adjectives are always followed by a gerund. Here are some examples:
- fond, tired, afraid, ashamed, bored, confused, disappointed
- I'm fond of playing soccer.
- She was tired of studying all night.
- They were afraid of losing the game.
Adjectives followed by either an infinitive or a gerund
Some adjectives can be followed by either an infinitive or a gerund, with a change in meaning. Here are some examples:
- It's nice to see you (pleasant to see you right now).
- It's nice seeing you (pleasant to see you regularly).
- She was surprised to hear the news (she didn't expect it).
- She was surprised hearing the news (she was surprised while she was hearing it).
Adjectives followed by an infinitive with "to" or a gerund with a preposition
Some adjectives are followed by an infinitive with "to" or a gerund with a preposition. Here are some examples:
- Infinitive with "to": anxious, eager, ready, willing
- He was anxious to leave.
- She was eager to help.
- Gerund with a preposition: good at, interested in, keen on, talented in
- I'm good at solving puzzles.
- She's interested in learning new languages.
In summary, the choice between using an infinitive or a gerund after an adjective depends on the specific adjective and the meaning you want to convey. By understanding the guidelines for using them correctly, you can improve your English language skills and communicate more effectively.
Infinitives & Gerunds as Nouns
Can infinitives and gerunds be used as subjects or objects?
Yes, infinitives and gerunds can both be used as subjects or objects in a sentence, functioning as nouns.
Infinitives as Subjects
Infinitives can be used as the subject of a sentence. In this case, the infinitive functions as a noun and is usually placed at the beginning of the sentence. Here are some examples:
- To err is human.
- To win the game was their only goal.
- To be or not to be, that is the question.
Infinitives as Objects
Infinitives can also be used as the object of a verb. In this case, the infinitive functions as a noun and is usually placed after the verb. Here are some examples:
- I want to go to the store.
- She decided to take a break.
- They asked him to leave.
Gerunds as Subjects
Gerunds can also be used as the subject of a sentence. In this case, the gerund functions as a noun and is usually placed at the beginning of the sentence. Here are some examples:
- Swimming is my favorite sport.
- Eating too much junk food is bad for your health.
- Studying for exams can be stressful.
Gerunds as Objects
Gerunds can also be used as the object of a verb. In this case, the gerund functions as a noun and is usually placed after the verb. Here are some examples:
- I enjoy playing soccer.
- She avoids eating junk food.
- They finished building the house.
In summary, infinitives and gerunds can both function as subjects or objects in a sentence, acting as nouns. By understanding how to use them correctly, you can improve your English language skills and communicate more effectively.
Common Mistakes
What are the common mistakes to avoid when using infinitives and gerunds?
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using infinitives and gerunds in English:
- Confusing infinitives and gerunds after certain verbs: Some verbs can be followed by either an infinitive or a gerund, but with a change in meaning. It's important to learn which verbs are followed by which form and to use them correctly. For example, "I stopped to smoke a cigarette" (infinitive) means that you stopped in order to smoke, while "I stopped smoking cigarettes" (gerund) means that you quit smoking.
- Using an infinitive after a preposition: Infinitives cannot be used after prepositions. Instead, a gerund should be used. For example, "I'm interested in learning new languages" (gerund), not "I'm interested in to learn new languages" (incorrect).
- Using a gerund after the verb "to be": The verb "to be" should always be followed by an infinitive, not a gerund. For example, "I am happy to help you" (infinitive), not "I am happy helping you" (incorrect).
- Using the wrong verb tense with gerunds: Gerunds can be used in any tense, but it's important to use the correct tense. For example, "I regret having eaten too much" (past perfect gerund), not "I regret eating too much" (present gerund).
- Omitting the "to" in infinitives: The "to" in infinitives is an important part of the verb form and should not be omitted. For example, "I want to go to the store" (correct), not "I want go to the store" (incorrect).
- Using a gerund instead of an infinitive after certain adjectives: Some adjectives are always followed by an infinitive, not a gerund. For example, "I'm happy to help you" (infinitive), not "I'm happy helping you" (incorrect).
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can improve your English language skills and communicate more effectively.
Identifying Infinitives & Gerunds
How to identify infinitives and gerunds in a sentence?
Identifying infinitives and gerunds in a sentence can help you understand the structure and meaning of the sentence. Here are some tips for identifying infinitives and gerunds:
Identifying Infinitives
- Look for the word "to" followed by a verb. This is the most common way to identify an infinitive. For example, "I want to go to the store" (infinitive).
- Look for a verb in its base form (without "to") that functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb. For example, "I need to study for the test" (infinitive as a noun), "It was hard to concentrate" (infinitive as an adjective), "She spoke too quietly to hear" (infinitive as an adverb).
- Look for a verb in its base form that follows certain verbs, adjectives, or nouns. For example, "I decided to leave" (verb + infinitive), "I'm happy to help" (adjective + infinitive), "It's time to go" (noun + infinitive).
Identifying Gerunds
- Look for a verb ending in "-ing" that functions as a noun. For example, "Swimming is my favorite sport" (gerund as a subject), "I enjoy playing soccer" (gerund as an object).
- Look for a verb ending in "-ing" that follows a preposition. For example, "I'm interested in learning new languages" (gerund after a preposition).
- Look for a verb ending in "-ing" that functions as an adjective or adverb. For example, "I was tired from studying all night" (gerund as an adjective), "Having finished the assignment, she went to bed" (gerund as an adverb).
By following these tips, you can identify infinitives and gerunds in a sentence and better understand how they are used in English grammar.
Advanced Uses
What are some advanced uses of infinitives and gerunds in English?
Infinitives and gerunds have many advanced uses in English that go beyond the basic functions of nouns, adjectives, and adverbs. Here are some examples of advanced uses of infinitives and gerunds:
Infinitives
- Infinitive clauses: Infinitive clauses function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs and can contain a subject and other elements. For example, "I believe her to be honest" (infinitive clause as an adjective), "The decision to leave was difficult" (infinitive clause as a noun).
- Infinitive phrases: Infinitive phrases are made up of an infinitive and any accompanying objects, modifiers, or complements. For example, "To err is human, to forgive divine" (infinitive phrase as a complete sentence), "I want to go to the store this afternoon" (infinitive phrase with an object and a modifier).
- Infinitives of purpose: Infinitives of purpose express the reason for doing something. For example, "I went to see a movie" (infinitive of purpose), "She took a book to read on the train" (infinitive of purpose with an object).
Gerunds
- Gerund clauses: Gerund clauses function as nouns and can contain a subject and other elements. For example, "Eating too much junk food is bad for your health" (gerund clause as a subject), "I regret having eaten too much" (gerund clause as an object).
- Gerund phrases: Gerund phrases are made up of a gerund and any accompanying objects, modifiers, or complements. For example, "Having finished the assignment, she went to bed" (gerund phrase with a modifier), "I enjoy playing soccer with my friends" (gerund phrase with an object and a modifier).
- Gerunds as complements of direct objects: Gerunds can function as complements of direct objects, meaning they complete the meaning of the direct object. For example, "I can't stand people complaining all the time" (gerund as a complement of the direct object "people"), "She hates wasting time" (gerund as a complement of the direct object "time").
By understanding these advanced uses of infinitives and gerunds, you can improve your English language skills and communicate more effectively in a variety of contexts.
Bare Infinitives vs To-Infinitives
What is the difference between bare infinitives and to-infinitives?
In English grammar, infinitives can take two forms: bare infinitives and to-infinitives. Here's a breakdown of the differences between the two:
Bare Infinitives
- Form: A bare infinitive is the basic form of a verb, without the word "to." For example, "go," "see," "do."
- Use: Bare infinitives are used after certain verbs, such as "let," "make," "see," and "hear," and after modal verbs like "can," "could," "may," "might," "will," "shall," and "should." They are also used in certain constructions, such as after "had better" and "would rather." For example, "Let me go" (bare infinitive after "let"), "I can see you" (bare infinitive after modal verb), "You'd better leave now" (bare infinitive after "had better").
To-Infinitives
- Form: A to-infinitive is the basic form of a verb preceded by the word "to." For example, "to go," "to see," "to do."
- Use: To-infinitives are used in a variety of constructions, such as after certain verbs, adjectives, and nouns, and as nouns, adjectives, and adverbs themselves. For example, "I want to go to the store" (to-infinitive after verb), "It was nice to see you" (to-infinitive after adjective), "I have a lot to do" (to-infinitive after noun), "To err is human" (to-infinitive as a complete sentence), "I did it to help you" (to-infinitive as an adverb).
Differences
- Form: The main difference between bare infinitives and to-infinitives is the presence or absence of the word "to."
- Use: Bare infinitives are used in more limited contexts than to-infinitives, mainly after certain verbs and modal verbs, while to-infinitives have a wider range of uses in English grammar.
- Meaning: In some cases, the choice between a bare infinitive and a to-infinitive can affect the meaning of a sentence. For example, "I saw him leave" (bare infinitive, implies that the speaker saw the entire action of leaving) vs. "I saw him leaving" (to-infinitive, implies that the speaker saw the action of leaving in progress).
By understanding the differences between bare infinitives and to-infinitives, you can improve your English language skills and communicate more effectively.
Preposition + Infinitive or Gerund
How to use infinitives and gerunds after prepositions?
In English, prepositions are typically followed by a noun or pronoun. However, there are some instances where prepositions can be followed by an infinitive or a gerund. Here are some guidelines for using infinitives and gerunds after prepositions:
Infinitives after Prepositions
- Prepositions of purpose: Certain prepositions, such as "in order," "so as," and "so that," can be followed by an infinitive to express purpose. For example, "I went to the store in order to buy groceries" (infinitive after "in order"), "He studied hard so as to pass the exam" (infinitive after "so as").
- Prepositions of time and place: Prepositions of time and place, such as "before," "after," "on," "in," "at," and "by," can be followed by an infinitive to express when or where an action takes place. For example, "I need to finish this before I go to bed" (infinitive after "before"), "She waited for him to arrive" (infinitive after "for").
Gerunds after Prepositions
- Prepositions of method or means: Certain prepositions, such as "by," "through," and "via," can be followed by a gerund to express how an action is performed. For example, "I got here by walking" (gerund after "by"), "They achieved success through hard work" (gerund after "through").
- Prepositions of reason or cause: Prepositions of reason or cause, such as "because of," "due to," and "on account of," can be followed by a gerund to express why an action is performed. For example, "I couldn't sleep because of my snoring" (gerund after "because of"), "The game was cancelled due to rain" (gerund after "due to").
- Prepositions of subject matter: Prepositions of subject matter, such as "about," "on," "concerning," and "regarding," can be followed by a gerund to express what an action is related to. For example, "I'm thinking about going to the beach" (gerund after "about"), "She gave a talk on saving money" (gerund after "on").
Differences
- Form: The main difference between infinitives and gerunds after prepositions is the form of the verb (infinitive or gerund).
- Use: Infinitives are used after prepositions of purpose and time/place, while gerunds are used after prepositions of method/means, reason/cause, and subject matter.
- Meaning: In some cases, the choice between an infinitive and a gerund after a preposition can affect the meaning of a sentence. For example, "I stopped to smoke a cigarette" (infinitive, implies that the speaker stopped in order to smoke) vs. "I stopped smoking cigarettes" (gerund, implies that the speaker quit smoking).
By understanding how to use infinitives and gerunds after prepositions, you can improve your English language skills and communicate more effectively.
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