What are these things and what do they look like?
- Read this simple explanation of gerunds and infinitives
- Click here for a more complex explanation of these forms
OK, so how do we use them?
Gerunds and infinitives both have similar functions in a sentence,...
so how do we know which one to use?
We need to look at the words that precede them (come before them) to decide if we should use a gerund or an infinitive.
Some verbs are followed by a gerund:
And some verbs are followed by an infinitive:
And Some verbs can be followed by both.
Some of these verbs, such as LIKE, START, LOVE, HATE, DISLIKE, cause no change in meaning when followed by a gerund or infinitive.For example: I like to swim AND I like swimming mean the same thing.
But be careful! Sometimes there is a significant change in meaning!
In addition, many expressions ending with prepositions are followed by gerunds:
- Gerunds after prepositions, a simple explanation
- List of verbs + prepositions followed by gerunds
- Preposition + Gerund Practice 1
- Preposition + Gerund Practice 2
- Preposition + Gerund Practice 3
- Preposition + Gerund Practice 4
- Preposition + Gerund Practice 5
Many adjectives are followed by infinitives
- List of "Be + adjectives" followed by infinitives
- Explanation and practice with adjectives + infinitives
- Easy practice with adjectives + infinitives (you will need to print this one or write your answers on a piece of paper)
The infinitive can also be used to express PURPOSE (why we do something
- Explanation of infinitive of purpose
- Explanation of and practice with infinitive of purpose
- More practice with infinitive of purpose
For more practice with gerunds and infinitives, visit the following links:
Practice 1 (Scroll to the bottom of the page for 4 practice exercises and a test)Practice 2 (click here for THIRTY different practice exercises!)
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