GERUNDS AND INFINITIVES/ UNIT 7

 

Infinitives vs. Gerunds

1. Gerunds = Verb + ing (used as a noun)

Example:

Swimming is fun.

I enjoy reading novels.

2. Infinitives = to + base form of the verb

Example:

I want to sleep.

She hopes to travel soon.

---

When to Use Gerunds

Some verbs are usually followed by gerunds:

Examples:

enjoy → I enjoy dancing.

avoid → He avoids talking in class.

finish → We finished eating.

Other cases:

After prepositions: She’s good at drawing.

As the subject: Running is healthy.

---

When to Use Infinitives

Some verbs are followed by infinitives:

Examples:

want → They want to eat.

need → You need to study.

decide → I decided to leave early.

Also:

After adjectives: It’s hard to learn French.

To show purpose: She studies to pass the test.

---

Some Verbs Can Use Both (but meaning may change)

remember + gerund: I remember going to the beach. (memory)

remember + infinitive: Remember to call her! (reminder)

stop + gerund: He stopped smoking. (he quit)

stop + infinitive: He stopped to smoke. (he paused another activity)

---

Exercises: Choose Gerund or Infinitive

1. I enjoy __________ (listen) to music.

2. She decided __________ (go) to Paris.

3. They avoided __________ (talk) to him.

4. We hope __________ (win) the game.

5. He stopped __________ (work) to rest.

6. I’m interested in __________ (learn) Japanese.

7. Don’t forget __________ (bring) your ID.

8. She’s good at __________ (draw).

---

Answers

1. listening

2. to go

3. talking

4. to win

5. to work

6. learning

7. to bring

8. drawing