Understanding Gerunds and Infinitives: Basic Definitions

Before diving into exercises, it’s essential to clearly define what gerunds and infinitives are and how they function within English grammar.

What is a Gerund?

A gerund is the -ing form of a verb that functions as a noun in a sentence. For example, in the sentence “Swimming is fun,” the word “swimming” acts as the subject and is a gerund.

• Form: verb + -ing (e.g., running, eating, reading)
• Function: acts as a noun
• Examples:
  • She enjoys painting.
  • Jogging helps him stay fit.

What is an Infinitive?

An infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by “to.” It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb. For example, “To swim is healthy” uses the infinitive “to swim” as the subject of the sentence.

• Form: to + base verb (e.g., to run, to eat, to read)
• Function: can act as noun, adjective, or adverb
• Examples:
  • She wants to paint.
  • He plans to travel next summer.

Common Uses and Patterns of Gerunds and Infinitives

Knowing when to use a gerund or an infinitive is often challenging because some verbs and expressions require one form over the other. This section explores the typical patterns and rules to help learners distinguish between the two.

Verbs Followed by Gerunds

Certain verbs are commonly followed by gerunds. These verbs usually express likes, dislikes, or preferences.

• Enjoy
• Mind
• Suggest
• Avoid
• Keep
• Consider

Examples:

• I enjoy reading books.
• She suggested going to the museum.
• They avoided talking about politics.

Verbs Followed by Infinitives

Other verbs are typically followed by infinitives. These often express desires, plans, or intentions.

• Want
• Decide
• Hope
• Plan
• Promise
• Refuse

Examples:

• She wants to learn French.
• We decided to leave early.
• He promised to help with the project.

Verbs Followed by Both Gerunds and Infinitives (With Meaning Differences)

Some verbs can be followed by either gerunds or infinitives but with a change in meaning.

• Remember:
  • Gerund: remembering a past action (I remember locking the door.)
  • Infinitive: remembering to do something in the future (Remember to lock the door.)
• Stop:
  • Gerund: stopping an action (He stopped smoking.)
  • Infinitive: stopping to do something else (He stopped to smoke.)
• Try:
  • Gerund: experimenting with an action (Try turning off the lights.)
  • Infinitive: attempting something difficult (Try to finish on time.)

Gerund and Infinitive Exercises for Effective Learning

Practice is essential to mastering gerunds and infinitives. Below are various exercises designed to reinforce understanding and correct usage.

Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Form (Gerund or Infinitive)

Complete the sentences by choosing the correct form of the verb in parentheses.

1. She enjoys ________ (dance) in her free time.
2. They plan ________ (visit) their grandparents this weekend.
3. He stopped ________ (smoke) last year.
4. I forgot ________ (lock) the door this morning.
5. We hope ________ (see) you soon.

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks with the Correct Gerund or Infinitive

Fill in the blanks with the gerund or infinitive form of the verbs provided.

• (to learn) English is important for career growth.
• He suggested ________ (go) to the new restaurant.
• She decided ________ (take) a break from work.
• We avoid ________ (argue) about money.
• Do you want ________ (join) us for dinner?

Exercise 3: Identify Gerunds and Infinitives in Sentences

In the following sentences, underline the gerunds and circle the infinitives.

• Swimming every day is good for your health.
• He promised to help me with my homework.
• I can’t stand waiting in long lines.
• They decided to cancel the meeting.
• She enjoys reading and writing poetry.

Tips for Learning Gerund and Infinitive Usage Effectively

To become proficient in using gerunds and infinitives, consider the following strategies:

• Practice regularly: Use Talkpal’s gerund and infinitive exercises to practice in real-life contexts.
• Learn verbs and their patterns: Memorize which verbs are followed by gerunds, which take infinitives, and which can take both.
• Use authentic materials: Read books, watch movies, and listen to conversations to see gerunds and infinitives in context.
• Write sentences: Create your own sentences using new verbs and their correct forms.
• Get feedback: Use Talkpal’s interactive platform to receive instant corrections and explanations.

Conclusion

Mastering gerunds and infinitives is key to achieving fluency and clarity in English. By understanding their forms, functions, and common usage patterns, learners can avoid common mistakes and communicate more effectively. Talkpal offers excellent gerund and infinitive exercises that make learning engaging and practical. Consistent practice combined with the right resources will lead to noticeable improvements in your English proficiency.