Objective: To learn about the gerunds and infinitives. Gerunds and Infinitives Gerund Gerund is a verbal noun. It looks like a verb, but acts as a noun. It is a noun made from a verb by adding "-ing." The gerund form of the verb "read" is "reading." You can use a gerund as the subject, the object of a verb, the object of a preposition or a complement.
Examples: Smoking is prohibited here. [Subject] I really like reading. [Object of a verb] I am looking forward to meeting you. [Object of a preposition] Her favourite hobby is reading. [Complement of a sentence]
Infinitives Infinitives are the "to" form of the verb. The infinitive form of "learn" is "to learn." You can also use an infinitive as the subject, the complement, or the object of a sentence.
Examples: To learn is important. [Subject] The most important thing is to learn. [Complement of a sentence] He wants to learn [Object of a verb].
Examples: I adore reading your books. They anticipated winning the election. I detest going to discos. We postponed making any decision in the meeting. I quit smoking. Do you recall seeing someone like that?
Verbs which are normally followed by the infinitive form:- afford | agree | appear | arrange | ask | attempt | care | choose | claim | come | consent dare | decide | demand | deserve | determine | elect | endeavour | expect | fail | get | guarantee hate | help | hesitate | hope | hurry | incline | intend | learn | long | manage | mean | need offer | plan | prepare | pretend | promise | refuse | resolve | say | seem | tend | threaten | want | wish
Examples: I can't afford to go to the pub. He agreed to practice more. You should learn to express yourself. They managed to fix the problem.
Verbs which can be followed by the gerund or infinitive form:- Some verbs can be followed by the gerund or infinitive. With no change in meaning Begin | continue | hate | like | love | neglect | prefer | start | try
Examples: He began to learn English when he was eight. He began learning English when he was eight. I hate to leave. I hate leaving.
Note - We often use the gerund when we speak about things in general, and the infinitive for particular situations.
With a change in meaning Forget | remember | stop Examples: I forgot to feed the cat. (The cat is hungry - he has not been fed) I forgot feeding the cat. (The cat is ok - I fed him and then forgot about it)