Gerunds vs. Infinitives: Mastering the Difference

Understanding the difference between gerunds and infinitives is crucial for mastering English grammar. Both verb forms can function as nouns, but knowing when to use each one can be tricky.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to gerunds and infinitives, covering their definitions, structures, usage rules, common mistakes, and more. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will help you confidently use gerunds and infinitives in your writing and speaking.

Table of Contents

Definitions: Gerunds and Infinitives

Both gerunds and infinitives are verb forms that can function as nouns in a sentence. However, they have distinct structures and are used in different contexts.

Understanding these differences is essential for accurate and fluent English communication.

What are Gerunds?

A gerund is a verb form ending in “-ing” that functions as a noun. This means it can take on roles typically held by nouns, such as subject, object, or complement. Because it is a noun, it can be modified by adjectives and can be part of a prepositional phrase.

For example, in the sentence “Swimming is my favorite sport,” the word “swimming” is a gerund acting as the subject of the sentence. Similarly, in “I enjoy reading,” “reading” is a gerund functioning as the object of the verb “enjoy.” Gerunds provide a way to use verbs as nouns, adding flexibility to sentence structure.

What are Infinitives?

An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word “to.” It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb. There are two types of infinitives: the full infinitive (to + base form of the verb) and the bare infinitive (base form of the verb without to). The bare infinitive is used after modal verbs (can, should, might, etc.) and certain verbs like let, make, and see.

For instance, in the sentence “I want to travel,” “to travel” is an infinitive acting as the object of the verb “want.” In “It is important to study,” “to study” is an infinitive functioning as the subject complement. Infinitives offer versatility in expressing purpose, intention, or possibility.

Structural Breakdown

Understanding the basic structure of gerunds and infinitives is key to correctly identifying and using them in sentences. Each has a distinct form that dictates its function and placement.

Gerund Structure

The structure of a gerund is straightforward: it is the base form of the verb + “-ing”. It can be modified by adverbs (e.g., running quickly) and can take objects if the verb is transitive (e.g., reading books). A gerund phrase includes the gerund and any related words, functioning as a single noun phrase.

For example, “Eating healthy food is important for your health.” In this sentence, “eating healthy food” is a gerund phrase acting as the subject of the sentence. The gerund “eating” is followed by its object, “healthy food,” forming the complete gerund phrase.

Infinitive Structure

The full infinitive consists of “to” + the base form of the verb (e.g., to eat, to sleep, to study). The bare infinitive is simply the base form of the verb without “to,” used after modal verbs and certain other verbs. Infinitives can also take objects or be modified by adverbs, forming infinitive phrases (e.g., to run quickly, to read books).

For example, “I need to buy groceries.” Here, “to buy groceries” is an infinitive phrase acting as the object of the verb “need.” The infinitive “to buy” is followed by its object, “groceries,” creating the infinitive phrase.

Functions of Gerunds and Infinitives

Gerunds and infinitives, while both behaving as nouns, can take on different roles within a sentence. Recognizing these functions is essential to using them correctly.

Gerund Functions

Gerunds can function as:

  • Subjects: Swimming is good exercise.
  • Objects of verbs: I enjoy dancing.
  • Objects of prepositions: She is good at painting.
  • Subject complements: My hobby is gardening.
  • Appositives: His favorite activity, fishing, is relaxing.

The gerund’s versatility stems from its nature as a verbal noun, inheriting properties of both verbs and nouns. This allows it to fit into a wide range of grammatical roles.

Infinitive Functions

Infinitives can function as:

  • Subjects: To err is human.
  • Objects of verbs: I want to travel.
  • Subject complements: My goal is to learn.
  • Adjectives: I need a book to read.
  • Adverbs: He studied hard to pass the exam.

Infinitives often express purpose or intention, particularly when functioning as adverbs. Their flexibility allows them to modify nouns and verbs alike, contributing to the richness of English grammar.

Verbs Followed by Gerunds or Infinitives

One of the most challenging aspects of gerunds and infinitives is knowing which form to use after specific verbs. Some verbs are consistently followed by gerunds, others by infinitives, and a few can take either, sometimes with a change in meaning.

Verbs Followed by Gerunds

Certain verbs are always followed by gerunds. Common examples include:

  • Admit
  • Appreciate
  • Avoid
  • Consider
  • Delay
  • Deny
  • Detest
  • Dislike
  • Enjoy
  • Finish
  • Imagine
  • Keep
  • Mention
  • Mind
  • Miss
  • Postpone
  • Practice
  • Quit
  • Recommend
  • Resist
  • Risk
  • Suggest
  • Understand

For example: “I enjoy reading novels.” “She avoids eating junk food.” “They considered moving to a new city.”

Verbs Followed by Infinitives

Other verbs are consistently followed by infinitives. Common examples include:

  • Agree
  • Appear
  • Arrange
  • Ask
  • Attempt
  • Choose
  • Claim
  • Decide
  • Demand
  • Expect
  • Fail
  • Hesitate
  • Hope
  • Learn
  • Manage
  • Need
  • Offer
  • Plan
  • Prepare
  • Promise
  • Refuse
  • Seem
  • Tend
  • Want
  • Wish

For example: “I want to travel.” “She agreed to help.” “They decided to stay.”

Verbs Followed by Both Gerunds and Infinitives

Some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, sometimes with little or no change in meaning, and sometimes with a significant shift. These verbs include:

  • Begin
  • Continue
  • Hate
  • Like
  • Love
  • Prefer
  • Start

For example: “I like swimming” and “I like to swim” have similar meanings. However, verbs like “remember,” “forget,” and “stop” change meaning depending on whether they are followed by a gerund or an infinitive.

Consider these examples:

  • “I remember locking the door” (I have a memory of doing it).
  • “I remembered to lock the door” (I remembered that I needed to do it).
  • “I forgot locking the door” (I have no memory of doing it).
  • “I forgot to lock the door” (I didn’t remember that I needed to do it, so I didn’t lock it).
  • “I stopped smoking” (I quit smoking).
  • “I stopped to smoke” (I stopped what I was doing in order to smoke).

Examples of Gerunds and Infinitives in Sentences

To solidify your understanding, let’s look at numerous examples of gerunds and infinitives in different sentence structures and contexts. These examples are categorized to highlight various functions and usages.

Gerund Examples

The following table provides examples of gerunds used as subjects, objects, objects of prepositions, subject complements, and appositives.

Function Example Sentence
Subject Reading is a great way to relax.
Subject Running every day improves your health.
Subject Learning a new language is challenging.
Subject Coding can be a very rewarding career.
Subject Traveling broadens your perspective.
Object of Verb I enjoy listening to music.
Object of Verb She hates doing laundry.
Object of Verb They love playing video games.
Object of Verb He avoids eating processed foods.
Object of Verb We finished watching the movie.
Object of Preposition She is good at painting.
Object of Preposition He is interested in learning about history.
Object of Preposition They are tired of waiting.
Object of Preposition She is excited about traveling.
Object of Preposition He is responsible for managing the project.
Subject Complement My favorite hobby is cooking.
Subject Complement Her biggest challenge is speaking in public.
Subject Complement One of my goals is becoming fluent in Spanish.
Subject Complement His job is teaching English.
Subject Complement Their main concern is finding a solution.
Appositive His favorite activity, hiking, keeps him fit.
Appositive Her passion, writing, has led to a successful career.
Appositive Their main goal, winning the competition, requires hard work.
Appositive My biggest fear, flying, prevents me from traveling far.
Appositive His daily routine, meditating, helps him stay calm.

This table showcases how gerunds can seamlessly integrate into various sentence structures, functioning as nouns while retaining their verbal characteristics.

Infinitive Examples

The following table demonstrates the use of infinitives as subjects, objects of verbs, subject complements, adjectives, and adverbs.

Function Example Sentence
Subject To travel is my dream.
Subject To learn requires dedication.
Subject To succeed takes hard work.
Subject To forgive is divine.
Subject To understand is to appreciate.
Object of Verb I want to eat.
Object of Verb She needs to study.
Object of Verb They decided to leave.
Object of Verb He hopes to win.
Object of Verb We planned to visit.
Subject Complement My goal is to become a doctor.
Subject Complement Her dream is to travel the world.
Subject Complement His ambition is to climb Mount Everest.
Subject Complement Their intention is to help others.
Subject Complement Our plan is to start a business.
Adjective I need a pen to write with.
Adjective She needs a house to live in.
Adjective He wants a friend to talk to.
Adjective They need a car to drive.
Adjective We have a project to complete.
Adverb He studied hard to pass the exam.
Adverb She went to the store to buy milk.
Adverb They saved money to travel abroad.
Adverb He exercises to stay healthy.
Adverb We work hard to achieve our goals.

This table illustrates the diverse functions of infinitives, highlighting their ability to act as nouns, adjectives, and adverbs, often expressing purpose or intention.

Gerunds and Infinitives with Different Meanings

The following table demonstrates how the meaning of a sentence changes when using a gerund versus an infinitive after certain verbs like “remember,” “forget,” and “stop.”

Verb + Gerund Meaning Verb + Infinitive Meaning
I remember locking the door. I have a memory of locking the door. I remembered to lock the door. I remembered that I needed to lock the door, and I did it.
I forgot locking the door. I have no memory of locking the door. I forgot to lock the door. I didn’t remember that I needed to lock the door, so I didn’t lock it.
I stopped smoking. I quit smoking. I stopped to smoke. I stopped what I was doing in order to smoke.
She regrets saying that. She is sorry about saying that. She regrets to say that she is leaving. She is sorry to announce that she is leaving.
He tried opening the door. He experimented with different ways to open the door. He tried to open the door. He made an effort to open the door.

This table emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuances in meaning that arise when choosing between gerunds and infinitives after specific verbs. The context and intended message are crucial in making the correct choice.

Verb + Gerund Example Sentence Verb + Infinitive Example Sentence
Remember I remember meeting her last year. Remember Remember to call your mother.
Forget I’ll never forget seeing the Eiffel Tower. Forget Don’t forget to buy milk.
Stop He stopped talking when the teacher entered. Stop He stopped to talk to his friend.
Regret I regret saying those words. Regret I regret to inform you that your application was rejected.
Try Try turning the key the other way. Try Try to be on time.

This additional table provides more examples of verbs that change meaning depending on whether they are followed by a gerund or an infinitive, reinforcing the importance of careful consideration when choosing the correct form.

Usage Rules

To use gerunds and infinitives correctly, it’s important to understand the specific rules that govern their usage. These rules dictate when each form is appropriate and help avoid common grammatical errors.

Gerund Usage Rules

Here are some key rules for using gerunds:

  • After prepositions: Use a gerund after a preposition (e.g., “I am interested in learning Spanish.”).
  • As subjects or objects: Gerunds can function as the subject or object of a sentence (e.g., “Swimming is good exercise.” “I enjoy reading.”).
  • After certain verbs: Certain verbs are always followed by gerunds (e.g., “She enjoys dancing.” “They avoid eating junk food.”).
  • In compound nouns: Gerunds can be used in compound nouns (e.g., swimming pool, waiting list).

Remember that gerunds always function as nouns, even though they are derived from verbs. This is a crucial point to keep in mind when determining whether to use a gerund or an infinitive.

Infinitive Usage Rules

Here are some key rules for using infinitives:

  • After certain verbs: Certain verbs are always followed by infinitives (e.g., “I want to travel.” “She needs to study.”).
  • To express purpose: Use an infinitive to express the purpose of an action (e.g., “He went to the store to buy milk.”).
  • After adjectives: Use an infinitive after adjectives to express feelings or opinions (e.g., “It is important to study.”).
  • With “too” and “enough”: Use an infinitive after “too” and “enough” (e.g., “It’s too cold to swim.” “He’s old enough to drive.”).

Infinitives often express intention, possibility, or obligation. Understanding these nuances can help you choose the correct form in various contexts.

Common Mistakes

Even experienced English learners sometimes make mistakes with gerunds and infinitives. Recognizing these common errors can help you avoid them in your own writing and speaking.

Common Gerund Mistakes

One common mistake is using an infinitive after a preposition instead of a gerund. For example:

  • Incorrect: I am interested in to learn Spanish.
  • Correct: I am interested in learning Spanish.

Another mistake is using a gerund after verbs that require an infinitive. For example:

  • Incorrect: I want going to the beach.
  • Correct: I want to go to the beach.

Pay close attention to the list of verbs that are followed by gerunds and infinitives to avoid these errors.

Common Infinitive Mistakes

A frequent mistake is using a gerund after verbs that require an infinitive. For example:

  • Incorrect: She agreed helping me.
  • Correct: She agreed to help me.

Another common mistake is omitting “to” before the base form of the verb when an infinitive is required. For example:

  • Incorrect: I need buy groceries.
  • Correct: I need to buy groceries.

Remember to use the full infinitive (“to” + base form of the verb) unless a bare infinitive is required (e.g., after modal verbs).

Practice Exercises

To test your understanding of gerunds and infinitives, try these practice exercises. Each exercise focuses on different aspects of gerund and infinitive usage.

Exercise 1: Choose Gerund or Infinitive

Choose the correct form (gerund or infinitive) to complete each sentence.

Question Answer
1. I enjoy ________ (read) novels. reading
2. She wants ________ (travel) the world. to travel
3. He avoids ________ (eat) junk food. eating
4. They decided ________ (stay) home. to stay
5. We are interested in ________ (learn) Spanish. learning
6. She agreed ________ (help) me. to help
7. He finished ________ (work) on the project. working
8. I need ________ (buy) groceries. to buy
9. They considered ________ (move) to a new city. moving
10. She hopes ________ (pass) the exam. to pass

Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes

Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences. Each sentence contains one error related to gerund or infinitive usage.

Question Answer
1. I am interested in to learn Spanish. I am interested in learning Spanish.
2. She enjoys to dance. She enjoys dancing.
3. He wants going to the beach. He wants to go to the beach.
4. They avoid eat junk food. They avoid eating junk food.
5. I need buy groceries. I need to buy groceries.
6. She agreed helping me. She agreed to help me.
7. He finished to work on the project. He finished working on the project.
8. I considered to move to a new city. I considered moving to a new city.
9. She hopes pass the exam. She hopes to pass the exam.
10. They decided leaving early. They decided to leave early.

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, understanding perfect and passive gerunds and infinitives can significantly enhance their grammatical proficiency.

Perfect Gerunds and Infinitives

Perfect gerunds and infinitives are used to indicate that an action was completed before another action in the sentence. The perfect gerund has the form “having + past participle” (e.g., having finished), while the perfect infinitive has the form “to have + past participle” (e.g., to have finished).

For example:

  • “He denied having stolen the money” (perfect gerund).
  • “She seems to have studied hard” (perfect infinitive).

The perfect gerund or infinitive adds a layer of complexity to the sentence, indicating a prior action or state.

Passive Gerunds and Infinitives

Passive gerunds and infinitives are used when the subject of the gerund or infinitive is receiving the action, rather than performing it. The passive gerund has the form “being + past participle” (e.g., being told), while the passive infinitive has the form “to be + past participle” (e.g., to be told).

For example:

  • “He hates being ignored” (passive gerund).
  • “She wants to be promoted” (passive infinitive).

The passive form shifts the focus to the receiver of the action, providing a different perspective on the event.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some frequently asked questions about gerunds and infinitives:

  1. What is the main difference between a gerund and an infinitive?

    The main difference lies in their form and function. A gerund is a verb form ending in “-ing” that functions as a noun, while an infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by “to,” and can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb.

  2. How do I know whether to use a gerund or an infinitive after a verb?

    Some verbs are consistently followed by gerunds, others by infinitives, and a few can take either, sometimes with a change in meaning. It’s best to memorize the lists of verbs that typically take gerunds or infinitives. When in doubt, consult a grammar guide or dictionary.

  3. Can a gerund or an infinitive be the subject of a sentence?

    Yes, both gerunds and infinitives can function as the subject of a sentence. For example: “Swimming is good exercise” (gerund) and “To err is human” (infinitive).

  4. Are there any exceptions to the rules about verbs followed by gerunds or infinitives?

    Yes, there are always exceptions in English grammar. Some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive depending on the specific context or intended meaning. Pay attention to these nuances and practice using these verbs in different sentences.

  5. What is a gerund phrase and an infinitive phrase?

    A gerund phrase includes the gerund and any related words, functioning as a single noun phrase (e.g., “Reading books is a great way to relax”). An infinitive phrase consists of the infinitive and any related words, functioning as a noun, adjective, or adverb (e.g., “I need to buy groceries“).

  6. How can I improve my understanding of gerunds and infinitives?

    The best way to improve your understanding is through practice. Do exercises, write sentences using gerunds and infinitives, and pay attention to how they are used in authentic English texts. Also, make sure to review the lists of verbs that are followed by gerunds or infinitives regularly.

  7. What are bare infinitives and when are they used?

    Bare infinitives are the base form of the verb without “to”. They are used after modal verbs (can, should, might, etc.) and certain verbs like let, make, and see. For example: “You should study hard.” “I saw him leave.”

  8. How do I use passive and perfect gerunds and infinitives?

    Passive gerunds (being + past participle) and infinitives (to be + past participle) are used when the subject is receiving the action. Perfect gerunds (having + past participle) and infinitives (to have + past participle) indicate that an action was completed before another action in

    the sentence. Familiarize yourself with examples and practice using these forms in context.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of gerunds and infinitives is a significant step towards achieving fluency and accuracy in English. By understanding their definitions, structures, functions, and usage rules, you can confidently incorporate them into your writing and speaking.

Remember to practice regularly, pay attention to context, and consult grammar resources when needed. With consistent effort, you’ll be able to navigate the complexities of gerunds and infinitives with ease.

Related Posts

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top