Learning about how to use infinitives and gerunds is crucial for government teaching exam aspirants for several reasons such as effective communication, a better understanding of grammatical rules, better expression of thoughts and better chances of excelling in language-related tasks at the job.
Moreover, Having a thorough understanding of infinitives and gerunds will enable aspiring teachers to explain these concepts effectively and provide clear guidance to their students. In the following article, the candidates will find all the detailed information on How to use Infinitive and Gerunds.
What is Infinitive?
In English, the infinitive is the base form of a verb, typically preceded by the word “to.” It is called the infinitive because it is not conjugated to show tense, person, or number. There are two types of infinitives in English: the bare infinitive and the full infinitive.
- Bare Infinitive: The bare infinitive is the base form of the verb without the word “to.” It is used after modal verbs (such as can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, and would) and certain other verbs (such as let, make, and help).
Examples include:
-
- She can swim.
- They must leave now.
- I will go to the party.
- Full Infinitive: The full infinitive includes the word “to” before the base form of the verb. It is used in a variety of situations, including:
- As the subject of a sentence: To err is human.
- As the object of a verb: He wants to learn French.
- After certain adjectives: It is important to be patient.
- After certain nouns: She has the ability to sing beautifully.
- After certain expressions: He asked me to help him.
It’s important to note that there are some verbs that are followed by a bare infinitive, while others are followed by a full infinitive. The choice between the two depends on the specific verb and its usage in the sentence.
Additionally, the infinitive can also be used without “to” in certain constructions, such as after modal verbs (e.g., can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would) and certain auxiliary verbs (e.g., do, does, did). For example:
- I can swim.
- They must leave now.
- Do you want coffee?
Overall, the infinitive form of a verb is an essential part of English grammar and is used in various ways to express actions, purposes, and possibilities.
What is Gerund?
In English, a gerund is a verb form that functions as a noun and ends in “-ing.” It is created by adding “-ing” to the base form of a verb. Gerunds are used to refer to actions, activities, or states as objects or subjects of a sentence.
Here are some key characteristics and uses of gerunds:
- As a subject: Gerunds can be used as the subject of a sentence, just like a noun. For example:
- Swimming is my favourite sport.
- Singing makes her happy.
- As an object: Gerunds can function as the object of a verb or a preposition. For example:
- I enjoy dancing.
- She is good at painting.
- They talked about travelling.
- After certain verbs: Some verbs are commonly followed by gerunds. These include:
- Enjoy: I enjoy reading.
- Mind: Do you mind waiting?
- Recommend: They recommended seeing the movie.
- Avoid: She avoids eating junk food.
- After prepositions: Gerunds often follow prepositions in a sentence. For example:
- I’m interested in learning a new language.
- He apologized for being late.
- After possessive determiners or pronouns: Gerunds can follow possessive determiners (e.g., my, your, his) or possessive pronouns (e.g., mine, yours, his). For example:
- She doesn’t mind my using her laptop.
- I appreciate your helping me.
It’s important to note that gerunds function as nouns, so they can be modified by adjectives, possessive pronouns, or articles, just like any other noun. They can also take objects or be part of prepositional phrases.
Here’s an example sentence that demonstrates the use of gerunds: “I love playing the guitar.” In this sentence, “playing” is a gerund that functions as the object of the verb “love.”
Overall, gerunds are versatile verb forms in English that act as nouns and play various roles in sentences.
Difference Between Infinitives & Gerunds
When it comes to using infinitives and gerunds, there are some patterns and differences to consider. Let’s explore the comparative analysis between infinitives and gerunds in their usage:
Verb Patterns
Infinitive: Infinitives are often used after verbs such as “want,” “decide,” “plan,” “hope,” and “promise.” For example:
- She wants to learn Spanish.
- They decided to go on vacation.
Gerund: Gerunds are commonly used after verbs like “enjoy,” “dislike,” “mind,” “recommend,” and “avoid.” For example:
- He enjoys swimming.
- She dislikes cooking.
Actions vs States
Infinitive: Infinitives are used to express actions or purposes. They emphasize the action itself. For example:
- I went to the store to buy groceries.
- She practices every day to improve her skills.
Gerund: Gerunds, on the other hand, are used to express ongoing actions or states. They focus on the activity itself. For example:
- He is swimming in the pool.
- We enjoy reading books.
Subject vs Object
Infinitive: Infinitives are often used as the subject of a sentence or as the object of a verb or preposition. For example:
- To travel is my dream. (Subject)
- He wants to eat pizza. (Object of the verb)
- She is excited about going on a trip. (Object of the preposition)
Gerund: Gerunds can also be used as subjects or objects, but they tend to be more commonly used as objects. For example:
- Running is good exercise. (Subject)
- I enjoy reading novels. (Object of the verb)
- He is interested in learning new languages. (Object of the preposition)
Preference and Relevance
Infinitive: Infinitives are used when expressing preferences or relevance. They often follow phrases like “would like,” “prefer,” “need,” or “have to.” For example:
- I would like to visit Paris.
- She needs to finish her assignment.
Gerund: Gerunds are used when discussing general preferences or when the emphasis is on the activity itself. For example:
- I enjoy visiting art museums.
- She loves dancing.
Remember that there are also some verbs that can be followed by both an infinitive or a gerund, with a difference in meaning. Examples include “remember,” “forget,” and “stop.” For instance:
- I remembered to call her. (I didn’t forget to do it.)
- I remembered calling her. (I recalled the action of calling her.)
It’s important to note that these guidelines are not exhaustive, and there are exceptions and variations in usage. Context and specific verbs play a significant role in determining whether to use an infinitive or a gerund in a particular sentence. Pay attention to patterns, study examples, and practice to develop a better understanding of how to use infinitives and gerunds effectively.
