What is gerunds and infinitives with examples?

Infinitives and gerunds are noun forms. If used before the main verb, they are the subject of the verb; after the main verb, they are the object of the verb. If a preposition is used after the verb, do not use an infinitive. If a common expression ends with a preposition, then it may be followed by a gerund.

How do you know when to use a gerund or infinitive?

Gerunds and infinitives can replace a noun in a sentence. Gerund = the present participle (-ing) form of the verb, e.g., singing, dancing, running. Infinitive = to + the base form of the verb, e.g., to sing, to dance, to run. Whether you use a gerund or an infinitive depends on the main verb in the sentence.

Do all gerunds end in ing?

Yes, gerunds all end with -ing, simply by definition. A gerund is, in Latin, a form of the verb which can be construed as (i.e. has functional characteristics of) a noun – it can act as subject or object of a verb, for example, or can take a plural ending.

What are the 5 uses of gerunds?

You use the ing form after some verbs such as enjoy, admit, appreciate, can’t stand / help / bear, deny, avoid, mind, understand, consider, finish, imagine and resent. For example, “I can’t stand doing nothing”, or “She denied breaking the copier”. With other verbs, use the gerund after a preposition.

What is a gerund for dummies?

Gerunds are formed by adding “-ing” to the verb: “sleeping,” “drawing,” “swimming.” But they are not the “-ing” verb forms that you see in the present or past continuous tense. They look the same, but gerunds are actually verb forms used as nouns.

What are the 4 types of gerunds?

In general, there are four different ways that we use gerunds: as subjects, subject complements, direct objects, and objects of prepositions.

What is gerund and infinitive in English grammar?

In English when two verbs come side by side ‘to’ is placed between them or ‘ing’ is added to second verb. If there is ‘to’ between two verbs, we call it INFINITIVE and ‘ing’ added to second verb it is called GERUND . Infinitives and gerunds take the place of a noun in a sentence. Download gerund and infinitive list PDF down below.

What are some examples of infinitives?

Infinitive Examples. Infinitives can be used as: an object following the verb: a subject at the beginning of a sentence: To travel around the world requires a lot of time and money. an adverb modifying a verb: You promised to buy me a diamond ring. an adjective modifying a noun: Tara has the ability to succeed.

Which verb phrases are followed by gerunds?

Some verbs and verb phrases are directly followed a gerund: Paul avoids using chemicals on the vegetables he grows. Some verbs can be followed by a gerund or an infinitive without causing a change in meaning: Some people prefer getting up early in the morning. Some people prefer to get up early in the morning

What are gerunds?

What are Gerunds? A gerund is a verb in its ing (present participle) form that functions as a noun that names an activity rather than a person or thing. Any action verb can be made into a gerund. Add ing to most verbs. Ex. play > playing, cry > crying, bark > bark ing