In English grammar, a gerund is a verb form that ends in -ing and functions as a noun. An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word “to.”
Gerunds are used to refer to actions or states as a whole, rather than to specific instances of those actions or states. For example, “Swimming is good exercise” uses the gerund “swimming” to refer to the general activity of swimming, rather than to a specific instance of swimming. Gerunds can be used as the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.
Infinitives are used to refer to actions or states that have not yet occurred, or that are not yet complete. For example, “To swim is good exercise” uses the infinitive “to swim” to refer to the action of swimming in general, without specifying when or how that action will take place. Infinitives can be used as the subject, object, or complement of a sentence, and they can also be used to modify nouns or adjectives.
Overall, gerunds and infinitives are important parts of English grammar, and they are used to add variety and complexity to sentences. They are similar in some ways, but they have different uses and functions in English sentences.
For example: “I enjoy swimming.” In this sentence, “swimming” is the gerund. An infinitive is the base form of a verb with the word “to” in front of it. For example: “I want to swim.” In this sentence, “to swim” is the infinitive.
Here are ten more examples of sentences using gerunds and infinitives:
- I enjoy swimming. (Gerund: “swimming”)
- She doesn’t like to cook. (Infinitive: “to cook”)
- He is afraid of flying. (Gerund: “flying”)
- They are looking forward to visiting their parents. (Infinitive: “to visiting”)
- She loves dancing. (Gerund: “dancing”)
- He plans to study abroad. (Infinitive: “to study”)
- She doesn’t mind waiting. (Gerund: “waiting”)
- He enjoys reading books. (Gerund: “reading”)
- They want to travel the world. (Infinitive: “to travel”)
- She hates running. (Gerund: “running”)
Here are some practice exercises for gerunds and infinitives:
- Choose the correct option to complete the sentence: She enjoys __________ to the gym.
a. going b. go
- Choose the correct option to complete the sentence: They plan __________ to Italy next summer.
a. going b. to go
- Choose the correct option to complete the sentence: She doesn’t mind __________ late.
a. work b. working
- Choose the correct option to complete the sentence: He is afraid of __________ snakes.
a. seeing b. see
- Choose the correct option to complete the sentence: They are looking forward to __________ their new house.
a. visiting b. visit
- Choose the correct option to complete the sentence: She loves __________ to music.
a. listen b. listening
- Choose the correct option to complete the sentence: He plans __________ abroad next year.
a. studying b. to study
- Choose the correct option to complete the sentence: She doesn’t mind __________ for him.
a. wait b. waiting
- Choose the correct option to complete the sentence: He enjoys __________ books.
a. read b. reading
- Choose the correct option to complete the sentence: They want __________ the world.
a. to travel b. traveling
