Infinitive or Gerund?

Infinitive or Gerund?

A gerund is the -ing form of a verb. It is

used as a noun.

I enjoy playing at the park.

I enjoy playing at the park.

Playing is a gerund. It is used as the object of the

verb enjoy.

Often we use the gerund for an action that happens before or at the same time as the action of the main verb.

Verb + Gerund

I enjoy playing at the park.

I enjoy myself at the time of playing.

 I denied stealing

 I deny having stolen anything before.

common verbs followed by gerunds

• verbs that express like/dislike

• enjoy, stop, consider, etc.

• prepositions: before, after, keep on, good at, etc.

• some expressions: I don't mind, I can't help, There's no point in ..., etc.

Fill in the Blanks

I like (eat)

raw vegetables.

Fill in the Blanks

Could you please stop (make)

so much noise?

Fill in the Blanks

Always keep on (pray)

.

Fill in the Blanks

Would you mind (close)

the door?

AN INFINTIVE= to + the simple form of a verb.

I decided to visit my uncle.

I decided to visit my uncle.

Some verbs are followed by an infinitive.

Often we use the infinitive for actions that follow the action of the main verb.

verb + infinitive

I decided to visit my uncle.

Visiting my uncle was an action of my decision. It comes after.

 I want to go out.

what I want (now) is to go out (after/later).

common verbs followed by infinitives

• verbs that generally refer to a future event. (expect, intend, offer, etc)

• after adjectives (glad, disappointed, determined, etc.)

• after "too" and "enough"

Fill in the Blanks

I am planning (go)

to Bali next month.

Fill in the Blanks

She is so happy (see)

you.

Fill in the Blanks

There's too much information (digest)

.

These rules are helpful but DO NOT always explain all uses of gerunds and infinitives.

disclaimer

Fill in the Blanks

How was the party?

Horrible, I regret (go)

there.

Fill in the Blanks

Good morning, Mr Jackson. Have you

corrected our tests?

Yes, I have and I regret (tell)

you that you've all failed.

Fill in the Blanks

I can't open this jar of honey.

Try (put)

it in hot water for a

few minutes.

Fill in the Blanks

It looks like our video has broken down.

Why don't we try (look)

at the manual?

Fill in the Blanks

Are you sure you locked the door?

I clearly remember (turn)

the key in the lock.

Fill in the Blanks

Did you remember (buy)

a present for granny?

Yes, I did. And I remembered

Fill in the Blanks

Yes, I did. And I remembered

(get)

her flowers, too.

Fill in the Blanks

I could do with a drink of water or juice.

I'm quite thirsty myself. Let's stop (get)

a drink.

Fill in the Blanks

Would you like some chocolate?

No, thanks, I stopped (eat)

sweets ages ago.