Gerunds and Infinitives
Gerunds and infinitives are verb forms that can take the place of a noun in a sentence. The following guidelines and lists will help you figure out whether a gerund or infinitive is
needed.
Gerunds
Gerunds are verbals that function as nouns and have an –ingending. Since gerunds are derived from verbs and have an –ing ending, they do express action. However, because gerunds function as nouns, they occupy slots traditionally held by nouns in sentences such as subjects, direct objects and objects of prepositions. Gerunds may occur asone word, or they may be part of a gerund phrase. Let’s take a look at some examples:
- Gerund, functioning as subject
Reading is my most beneficial summer activity.
- Gerund, functioning as direct object
James enjoys swimming.
- Gerund, functioning as object of preposition
You will get good grades by studying.
- Gerund phrase, functioning as subject
Eating on the runis one of the most unhealthy American habits.
- Gerund phrase, functioning as direct object
The teacher simply cannot excuse sleeping during class.
- Gerund phrase, functioning as object of preposition
We found the keys by looking on the ground next to the car.
Infinitives
Infinitives are verbals that are made up of the word toand a verb. Infinitives may function as nouns, adjectives or adverbs. Since infinitives are derived from verbs, they do express actions or states of being. When infinitives function as adjectives and adverbs, they are usually found preceding nouns and pronouns in sentences, and when they function as nouns, they are used as subjects, direct objects and objects of prepositions. Infinitives (to + verb) should not be confused with prepositional
phrases (to+ noun or pronoun). Infinitives may occur as to + one verb, or they may be part of an infinitive phrase. Let’s take a look at some examples:
- Infinitives functioning as nouns
To love is the greatest achievement.
- Infinitives functioning as adjectives
Jason’s group was the last to arrive.
- Infinitives functioning as adverbs
The students must pass the TAKS tests to graduate.
- Infinitive phrase functioning as noun
Ranee wanted to arrive at her destination.
- Infinitive phrase functioning as adjective
The Smiths were the first family in our neighborhood to adopt a child.
Gerunds are formed with ING.
walking, talking, thinking, listening
Infinitives are formed with TO.
to walk, to talk, to think, to listen
Jobs
Gerunds and infinitives can do several jobs.
Both gerunds and infinitives can be the subject of a sentence.
Both gerunds and infinitives can be the subject of a sentence.
Both gerunds and infinitives can be the subject of a sentence.
Writing in English is difficult.
To write in English is difficult.
Both gerunds and infinitives can be the object of a verb.To write in English is difficult.
Both gerunds and infinitives can be the subject of a sentence.
I like writing in English.
I like to write in English.
But... only gerunds can be the object of a preposition.I like to write in English.
We are talking about writing in English.
Usage
It is often difficult to know when to use a gerund and when to use an infinitive. These guidelines may help you.
| Gerunds | Gerunds are often used when actions are real, concrete, or completed. For example: I stopped smoking. (The smoking was real and happened until I stopped.) |
|---|---|
| Infinitives | Infinitives are often used when actions are unreal, abstract, or future. For example: I stopped to smoke. (I was doing something else, and I stopped; the smoking had not happened yet.) |
Gerunds
Gerunds are verbals that function as nouns and have an –ingending. Since gerunds are derived from verbs and have an –ing ending, they do express action. However, because gerunds function as nouns, they occupy slots traditionally held by nouns in sentences such as subjects, direct objects and objects of prepositions. Gerunds may occur asone word, or they may be part of a gerund phrase. Let’s take a look at some examples:
- Gerund, functioning as subject
Reading is my most beneficial summer activity.
- Gerund, functioning as direct object
James enjoys swimming.
- Gerund, functioning as object of preposition
You will get good grades by studying.
- Gerund phrase, functioning as subject
Eating on the runis one of the most unhealthy American habits.
- Gerund phrase, functioning as direct object
The teacher simply cannot excuse sleeping during class.
- Gerund phrase, functioning as object of preposition
We found the keys by looking on the ground next to the car.
Infinitives
Infinitives are verbals that are made up of the word toand a verb. Infinitives may function as nouns, adjectives or adverbs. Since infinitives are derived from verbs, they do express actions or states of being. When infinitives function as adjectives and adverbs, they are usually found preceding nouns and pronouns in sentences, and when they function as nouns, they are used as subjects, direct objects and objects of prepositions. Infinitives (to + verb) should not be confused with prepositional
phrases (to+ noun or pronoun). Infinitives may occur as to + one verb, or they may be part of an infinitive phrase. Let’s take a look at some examples:
- Infinitives functioning as nouns
To love is the greatest achievement.
- Infinitives functioning as adjectives
Jason’s group was the last to arrive.
- Infinitives functioning as adverbs
The students must pass the TAKS tests to graduate.
- Infinitive phrase functioning as noun
Ranee wanted to arrive at her destination.
- Infinitive phrase functioning as adjective
The Smiths were the first family in our neighborhood to adopt a child.
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