One of the most difficult aspects of learning English grammar is studying and being proficient with gerunds and infinitives. You’ve come to the right spot if you’re trying to get better at this particular area of English.
The distinctions between gerunds and infinitives, proper usage, typical errors, and instances of their application are covered in the reference that follows. Should we try to learn something?
Gerunds and infinitives are the two categories of verbs.
Gerunds and infinitives are two of the verb tenses that are most frequently employed in English. One type of verb that can function as a noun is the gerund. Gerunds finally terminate in -ing. When employed as a verb, the infinitive is a unique type of verb that accepts the “to” prefix. The verb “run” has several forms, for instance, including the gerund “running” and the infinitive “to run.”
How the Infinitive and Gerund Differ
Understanding the distinction between gerunds and infinitives will help you avoid making embarrassing grammar mistakes when writing. In short, a gerund is a word derived from a verb that functions as a noun and ends in “ing.” Infinitive phrases are frequently described with the word “infinitive”. An infinitive phrase is created when you place “to” before a verb. Gerunds and infinitives function as verb objects in addition to being able to stand alone as subjects in sentences. After learning how these two components can function together, you should be aware of the following significant distinction between the gerund and infinitive equations: Unlike an infinitive, a gerund can be the subject of a preposition.
Applied infinitives and gerunds Illustrated
There are several ways to use gerunds and infinitives in sentences. Although infinitives are frequently employed as primary verbs, gerunds can function as subjects or objects, contingent on the situation. To demonstrate the idea, consider the sentences “Running is my favorite exercise” and “I like to run every morning,” where the gerund “running” can be the subject and the infinitive “to run” can be the main verb. You can use the gerund in both of these situations.
Gerunds combined with the infinitive form
Lastly, to continue some verbs, you can use an infinitive or gerund. Verbs like “want” and “like,” which indicate desires, and “choose” and “decide,” which indicate choices, are used in this lesson. Think about the phrases “I like running” and “I want to run.”
More sophisticated phrases like “She decided to stay at home” or “I decided to go for a walk” are also within your grasp.
Common errors in grammar with gerunds and infinitives
Using gerunds and infinitives incorrectly is one of the most common errors people make. You can alter the statement’s meaning, for instance, by using the incorrect verb form when following a verb of influence or choice. For example, the sentence “I enjoyed to run” happens to be incorrect; it must be, “I enjoyed running.”
Another typical error that individuals do is to follow a verb of perception or feeling with the incorrect verb form. It is possible to somewhat alter the meaning of the statement by simply placing the incorrect form of the verb “see” behind it. One such instance is the need to reword “I saw him to run” to “I saw him running.” This is the correct interpretation.
Some Guidelines for Employing Infinitives and Gerunds
It will be easier for you to remember when to use the gerund or the infinitive if you follow these rules.
An infinitive is typically used after a word that communicates duty or influence, while gerunds are typically used after verbs that convey mood or emotion.
Depending on the meaning you wish to convey, you might choose to follow a verb of desire or choice with a gerund or an infinitive.
Typically, verbs that describe how something feels or what someone perceives come before the infinitive. Claims such as “I saw him run” and “I heard her sing” are examples of this.
Recognizing Infinitive and Gerund Usage
If you’re unfamiliar with gerunds and how they differ from infinitives, this task may initially seem difficult. To make the best use of gerunds and infinitives, adhere to these rules.
“The Gerunds”
For statements that deal with actual, completed, or almost completed acts, gerunds are the best option.
- I have resolved not to worry about the future. We also adore climbing mountains, so that’s something we did until I figured out a way to get over my fear in this particular situation. For example, we find climbing to be both a valid past time and a fun experience.
Unusual verb tenses
The use of infinitives is quite advantageous when discussing hypothetical, abstract, or future activities in sentences.
You need to give something some serious thought. I want you to think about something in relation to this particular case, but you haven’t yet.
Is it possible for you to accompany me on a walk without occasionally lighting up? In this particular case, smoking has not yet occurred; instead, we are discussing going for a walk.
In many different instances, gerunds and infinitives can be used following particular verbs or adjectives. For example, an infinitive is typically used after the adjective “hard,” as in “It’s hard to run,” but a gerund is typically used after the verb “enjoy,” as in “I enjoy running.”
