Gerunds and Infinitives: Rules and Usage

Mastering Gerunds and Infinitives: Rules, Examples and Exam-Focused Applications

Comprehensive Study Module on Gerunds and Infinitives

Introduction

Gerunds and infinitives are verb forms that often function as nouns in English sentences. Understanding when to use a gerund (verb+ing) or an infinitive (to+base verb) is crucial for both writing and speaking fluently. This module explores the rules, applications, and examples of gerunds and infinitives to help you confidently navigate their usage in exams and real-life contexts.

1. What are Gerunds and Infinitives?

1.1 Gerunds

• Definition: A gerund is the -ing form of a verb that functions as a noun.
  • Example: Swimming is a good exercise.
• Usage:
  • As the subject: Running is my favorite hobby.
  • As the object: She enjoys dancing.
  • After prepositions: They are interested in learning new skills.

1.2 Infinitives

• Definition: An infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by “to” that functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb.
  • Example: She wants to travel abroad.
• Usage:
  • As the subject: To err is human.
  • As the object: He decided to leave early.
  • To express purpose: She studies hard to succeed.

2. Key Rules for Using Gerunds and Infinitives

2.1 Verbs Followed by Gerunds

• Common verbs include: enjoy, avoid, consider, finish, keep, and suggest.
  • Example: He enjoys playing soccer.

2.2 Verbs Followed by Infinitives

• Common verbs include: want, decide, hope, plan, and need.
  • Example: She hopes to meet him soon.

2.3 Verbs That Can Take Both Forms with Different Meanings

• Try:
  • Gerund: Focuses on experimenting.
    • Example: Try exercising to lose weight.
  • Infinitive: Focuses on making an effort.
    • Example: Try to finish the project on time.
• Remember:
  • Gerund: Refers to recalling past actions.
    • Example: I remember locking the door.
  • Infinitive: Refers to future actions.
    • Example: Remember to lock the door.

3. Applications of Gerunds and Infinitives

3.1 Gerunds

• In Formal Writing: Useful for concise expressions.
  • Example: The managing of resources is essential.
• In Spoken English: Commonly used after verbs and prepositions.
  • Example: He is good at teaching.

3.2 Infinitives

• To Indicate Purpose:
  • Example: She left early to catch the train.
• As Modifiers:
  • Example: The decision to cancel was unexpected.

4. Common Mistakes and Exceptions

• Double Gerunds: Avoid using two gerunds consecutively.
  • Incorrect: She is avoiding running jogging.
  • Correct: She is avoiding jogging.
• Split Infinitives: Although traditionally avoided, split infinitives are acceptable in modern usage for clarity.
  • Example: She wants to quickly finish her work.

5. Practice Questions

5.1 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Identify the correct form:
   She enjoys ___ novels in her free time.
   a) To read
   b) Reading
   c) Reads
   Answer: b) Reading
   Explanation: “Enjoy” is followed by a gerund.
2. Fill in the blank:
   He decided ___ a new language.
   a) Learning
   b) To learn
   c) Learns
   Answer: b) To learn
   Explanation: “Decide” is followed by an infinitive.
3. Choose the correct sentence:
   a) I hope finishing this soon.
   b) I hope to finish this soon.
   Answer: b) I hope to finish this soon.
   Explanation: “Hope” is followed by an infinitive.

6. Descriptive Questions

Q1: Define gerunds and infinitives with examples.

Answer:

• Gerunds: Verb+ing forms functioning as nouns.
  • Example: Swimming is fun.
• Infinitives: “To” + base verb used as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.
  • Example: I like to swim.

Q2: Explain the difference between the use of gerunds and infinitives after the verb “stop.” Provide examples.

Answer:

• Gerund: Refers to stopping an activity.
  • Example: He stopped smoking.
• Infinitive: Refers to stopping for another action.
  • Example: He stopped to smoke.

Q3: Rewrite the sentences using the correct form:

1. She avoids (to eat) junk food.
2. We plan (visiting) Europe next year.
   Answer:
3. She avoids eating junk food.
4. We plan to visit Europe next year.

Conclusion

Mastering gerunds and infinitives helps improve sentence structure and convey meaning more effectively. This module equips you with the rules, examples, and practice questions to enhance your understanding and application in grammar exams and beyond.