Understanding the nuances of English grammar can be quite challenging, especially when it comes to gerunds and infinitives. These forms often perplex even advanced learners. This article aims to demystify the usage of gerunds and infinitives in sentences, providing clear explanations and examples to help you gain a solid grasp of these important grammatical components.
What are Gerunds?
A gerund is the -ing form of a verb that functions as a noun in a sentence. For example, in the sentence “Swimming is a good exercise,” the word “swimming” is a gerund. Here are some more examples to illustrate:
1. **Reading** helps improve your vocabulary.
2. I enjoy **cooking** on weekends.
3. **Running** is a great way to stay fit.
Gerunds can serve various functions in a sentence, such as the subject, the object, or the complement.
Gerunds as Subjects
When a gerund functions as the subject of a sentence, it typically appears at the beginning. For example:
– **Dancing** is her favorite hobby.
– **Painting** requires a lot of patience.
– **Traveling** broadens your horizons.
Gerunds as Objects
Gerunds can also function as the object of a verb. Consider the following examples:
– She enjoys **reading** novels.
– I dislike **waiting** for buses.
– He suggested **going** to the park.
Gerunds as Objects of Prepositions
Gerunds can follow prepositions to function as the objects of those prepositions:
– She is good at **drawing**.
– They are interested in **learning** new languages.
– He is tired of **working** late hours.
What are Infinitives?
Infinitives are the base form of a verb, often preceded by the word “to.” For example, in the sentence “I want to eat,” the phrase “to eat” is an infinitive. Infinitives can also serve multiple functions in a sentence, such as acting as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. Here are some examples:
1. I like **to swim**.
2. She hopes **to travel** next year.
3. He needs **to study** for the exam.
Infinitives as Subjects
Although it’s less common, infinitives can serve as the subject of a sentence. For instance:
– **To err** is human.
– **To understand** complex theories requires concentration.
– **To finish** this project on time is our main goal.
Infinitives as Objects
Infinitives frequently appear as the objects of verbs:
– She wants **to learn** French.
– I plan **to visit** Japan next summer.
– He decided **to quit** his job.
Infinitives as Adjectives
Infinitives can modify nouns and thus function as adjectives:
– She has a lot of work **to do**.
– He gave me a book **to read**.
– There are many places **to see** in the city.
Infinitives as Adverbs
Infinitives can also modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, acting as adverbs in sentences:
– She went to the store **to buy** groceries.
– He saved money **to travel**.
– They practiced hard **to win** the championship.
Gerunds vs. Infinitives: How to Choose?
One of the trickiest aspects of using gerunds and infinitives correctly is knowing which form to use after certain verbs, adjectives, and prepositions. Here are some guidelines to help you decide.
Verbs Followed by Gerunds
Some verbs are typically followed by gerunds. Common examples include:
– enjoy: She **enjoys reading** science fiction.
– avoid: He **avoids talking** to strangers.
– consider: They **consider moving** to a new city.
– keep: She **keeps asking** questions.
Verbs Followed by Infinitives
Other verbs are generally followed by infinitives. Some of these verbs include:
– want: I **want to learn** Spanish.
– need: You **need to finish** your homework.
– decide: They **decided to go** to the beach.
– plan: We **plan to visit** our grandparents.
Verbs Followed by Either Gerunds or Infinitives
Some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, but the meaning of the sentence may change depending on which form is used. For example:
– remember:
– I **remember meeting** her last year. (You met her, and now you remember it.)
– **Remember to meet** her at 5 pm. (You need to meet her, so don’t forget.)
– stop:
– He **stopped smoking**. (He quit smoking.)
– He **stopped to smoke**. (He stopped what he was doing in order to smoke.)
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Misusing gerunds and infinitives can lead to awkward or incorrect sentences. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them.
Mixing Up Gerunds and Infinitives After Certain Verbs
One common mistake is using the wrong form after verbs that specifically require a gerund or an infinitive. For example, “She enjoys to read” is incorrect because “enjoy” should be followed by a gerund: “She enjoys reading.”
Overusing Infinitives
Another mistake is overusing infinitives when gerunds would be more appropriate. For example, “I am interested to learn new languages” is less natural than “I am interested in learning new languages.”
Forgetting the “to” in Infinitives
Sometimes, learners forget to include the “to” in infinitives, leading to sentences like “I want eat” instead of “I want to eat.”
Special Cases and Exceptions
As with many aspects of English grammar, there are exceptions to the rules. Some verbs and expressions can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive without any significant change in meaning. Examples include:
– begin: She **began to cry** / She **began crying**.
– start: He **started to talk** / He **started talking**.
However, even in these cases, native speakers might have a preference for one form over the other based on context or regional differences.
Verbs Followed by a Noun and Then an Infinitive
Some verbs require a noun or pronoun before the infinitive. For example:
– advise: She **advised him to study** harder.
– allow: They **allowed us to enter** the building.
– encourage: He **encouraged her to apply** for the job.
Verbs Followed by a Noun and Then a Gerund
A few verbs are followed by a noun or pronoun and then a gerund. Examples include:
– catch: He **caught her cheating** on the test.
– find: They **found him sleeping** on the couch.
– hear: She **heard them talking** in the hallway.
Practice Makes Perfect
Understanding the rules and guidelines is just the first step. To truly master the use of gerunds and infinitives, consistent practice is essential. Here are some exercises to help you hone your skills:
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Choose the correct form (gerund or infinitive) to complete each sentence.
1. She enjoys _______ (dance).
2. I want _______ (travel) to Europe.
3. They decided _______ (move) to a new house.
4. He is interested in _______ (learn) Chinese.
5. She suggested _______ (go) to the museum.
Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes
Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences.
1. I am looking forward to meet you.
2. He wants buy a new car.
3. She avoids to talk to strangers.
4. They decided going to the beach.
5. She enjoys to cook Italian food.
Exercise 3: Sentence Transformation
Rewrite the sentences using the correct form of the verb.
1. To finish the project on time is important. (Finishing)
2. He suggested to go to the concert. (going)
3. They enjoy to watch movies on weekends. (watching)
4. I need to study for the exam. (studying)
5. She is interested to learn French. (in learning)
Conclusion
Mastering the use of gerunds and infinitives is a significant milestone in your journey to becoming proficient in English. While the rules can seem daunting at first, understanding the basic principles and practicing regularly can make a world of difference. Remember, language learning is a gradual process, and every step you take brings you closer to fluency. So, keep practicing, stay curious, and don’t hesitate to revisit these guidelines whenever you need a refresher. Happy learning!
