Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. What Are Gerunds and Infinitives?
  3. When to Use Gerunds
  4. When to Use Infinitives
  5. Verbs Followed by Gerunds or Infinitives
  6. Common Mistakes with Gerunds and Infinitives
  7. Gerunds and Infinitives Exercises
  8. Answers
  9. Conclusion

Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Gerunds and Infinitives in English! Understanding when to use gerunds and infinitives is essential for mastering the language. This guide is designed for ESL students and will help you learn the differences between gerunds and infinitives, when to use them, and how to avoid common mistakes.

We’ll provide clear explanations, plenty of examples, and exercises to test your understanding. By the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident using gerunds and infinitives correctly in your everyday English.

What Are Gerunds and Infinitives?

A gerund is the -ing form of a verb that functions as a noun. An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by to. Both gerunds and infinitives can act as subjects, objects, or complements in a sentence.

  • Gerund: Swimming is good exercise.
  • Infinitive: I want to swim in the sea.

When to Use Gerunds

Gerunds are used in various situations. Let’s explore some common cases.

As Subjects or Objects

Gerunds can function as the subject or object of a sentence.

  • Subject: Reading helps you learn English.
  • Object: She enjoys cooking.

After Prepositions

Gerunds are used after prepositions.

  • They are interested in learning Spanish.
  • She is good at painting.

After Certain Verbs

Some verbs are followed by gerunds.

  • He avoids eating junk food.
  • They considered moving to Canada.

Common verbs followed by gerunds include: enjoy, mind, suggest, avoid, finish, consider, and keep.

When to Use Infinitives

Infinitives are also used in specific contexts. Let’s look at when to use them.

To Express Purpose

Infinitives can express the purpose of an action.

  • She went to the store to buy milk.
  • I am studying hard to pass the exam.

After Adjectives

Infinitives are used after adjectives.

  • It is important to arrive on time.
  • She was happy to see him.

After Certain Verbs

Some verbs are followed by infinitives.

  • They decided to travel abroad.
  • He hopes to get a promotion.

Common verbs followed by infinitives include: want, decide, plan, hope, learn, need, and offer.

Verbs Followed by Gerunds or Infinitives

Some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, but the meaning may change.

  • She stopped smoking. (She quit smoking.)
  • She stopped to smoke. (She paused an activity in order to smoke.)

Verbs like stop, remember, and forget can have different meanings depending on whether they are followed by a gerund or an infinitive.

Common Mistakes with Gerunds and Infinitives

Here are some typical errors learners make and how to avoid them.

1. Using the Wrong Form After Certain Verbs

❌ She enjoys to dance.

✅ She enjoys dancing.

Tip: The verb “enjoy” is always followed by a gerund.

2. Incorrect Use After Prepositions

❌ They are interested in learn English.

✅ They are interested in learning English.

Tip: Use a gerund after a preposition.

3. Mixing Up Purpose Expressions

❌ I went to the shop for buying bread.

✅ I went to the shop to buy bread.

Tip: Use an infinitive to express purpose.

4. Using Gerunds After Adjectives

❌ It is important arriving early.

✅ It is important to arrive early.

Tip: Use an infinitive after an adjective.

5. Confusion with Verbs that Change Meaning

❌ He forgot sending the email.

✅ He forgot to send the email.

Tip: “Forget to do” means you didn’t remember to do something; “forget doing” means you did something but forgot about it.

Gerunds and Infinitives Exercises

Test your understanding with these exercises.

Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Form

Select the correct form (gerund or infinitive) to complete each sentence.

  1. She decided _______ (go) to university.
  2. They enjoy _______ (travel) together.
  3. He needs _______ (improve) his English.
  4. I can’t help _______ (laugh) at his jokes.
  5. We hope _______ (see) you soon.

Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes

Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.

  1. They agreed buying a new car.
  2. She is good at to sing.
  3. He wants learning French.
  4. We look forward to meet you.
  5. She stopped to smoke last year.

Exercise 3: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verb in brackets.

  1. They plan _______ (start) a business.
  2. She suggested _______ (go) for a walk.
  3. He promised _______ (help) me.
  4. I avoid _______ (eat) spicy food.
  5. It’s difficult _______ (understand) him.

Exercise 4: Gerund or Infinitive?

Decide whether to use a gerund or an infinitive in each sentence.

  1. I hope _______ (find) a new job.
  2. They enjoy _______ (cook) together.
  3. It’s important _______ (be) on time.
  4. She keeps _______ (call) me.
  5. He offered _______ (drive) us home.

Exercise 5: Verbs Changing Meaning

Choose the correct form to change the meaning as indicated.

  1. She remembered _______ (lock) the door. (She didn’t forget to lock it.)
  2. She remembered _______ (locking) the door. (She has a memory of locking it.)
  3. He stopped _______ (smoke). (He quit smoking.)
  4. He stopped _______ (smoke). (He paused to have a cigarette.)

Answers

Exercise 1

  1. She decided to go to university.
  2. They enjoy travelling together.
  3. He needs to improve his English.
  4. I can’t help laughing at his jokes.
  5. We hope to see you soon.

Exercise 2

  1. They agreed to buy a new car.
  2. She is good at singing.
  3. He wants to learn French.
  4. We look forward to meeting you.
  5. She stopped smoking last year.

Exercise 3

  1. They plan to start a business.
  2. She suggested going for a walk.
  3. He promised to help me.
  4. I avoid eating spicy food.
  5. It’s difficult to understand him.

Exercise 4

  1. I hope to find a new job.
  2. They enjoy cooking together.
  3. It’s important to be on time.
  4. She keeps calling me.
  5. He offered to drive us home.

Exercise 5

  1. She remembered to lock the door. (She didn’t forget to lock it.)
  2. She remembered locking the door. (She has a memory of locking it.)
  3. He stopped smoking. (He quit smoking.)
  4. He stopped to smoke. (He paused to have a cigarette.)

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between gerunds and infinitives is essential for mastering English grammar. By knowing when to use each form, you can express yourself more accurately and naturally. Remember to practise regularly and pay attention to the verbs and expressions that require gerunds or infinitives.

If you have any questions, thoughts, or would like to share your own sentences using gerunds and infinitives, please leave a comment below. Happy learning!

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