Gerunds and infinitives

When to use the -ing form and when to use to + verb after verbs, adjectives and prepositions.

For teachers:Download worksheet + answer key (PDF)

Explanation

Gerunds and infinitives are verb forms that have specific functions in sentences. They're used as nouns, subjects, objects, and complements. Let's dive into their definitions, forms, and how they're used.

Gerunds: A gerund is the -ing form of a verb that functions as a noun in a sentence. It is created by adding -ing to the infinitive form of the verb. Gerunds can be used as subjects, objects, and complements.

Form: Verb infinitive + -ing

Examples:

Swimming is good exercise.
She enjoys singing.
Her favourite activity is dancing.

Usage

Subject of a sentence: Singing in the shower is his daily routine.
After certain verbs (like, dislike, enjoy, avoid, consider, etc.): They avoid eating junk food.
After prepositions: She's good at solving problems.
After phrasal verbs: I need to give up smoking.

Infinitives: An infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by "to." Infinitives can function as nouns, adjectives, and adverbs. They can be used as subjects, objects, and complements.

Form: to + infinitive form of the verb

Examples:

To learn a new language requires dedication.
She has a book to read.
He works hard to succeed.

Usage

Subject of a Sentence: To travel is my dream.
Object of a Verb: She wants to learn how to dance.
Object of a Noun: He has the desire to help others.
After Certain Verbs (want, need, plan, hope, etc.): They plan to visit Europe next year.
After Adjectives: She's too tired to continue.
After Some Nouns: It's an opportunity to grow.

Note

Some verbs can be followed by both gerunds and infinitives, with a change in meaning:

Example:

"I stopped reading the book." (Stopped a current activity)
"I stopped to read the book." (Stopped in order to read the book)

Certain verbs have fixed patterns, meaning they are always followed by gerunds or infinitives:

Examples:

"He enjoys swimming." (gerund)
"She promised to call." (to + infinitive)

In summary, gerunds are verbs in their "-ing" form that function as nouns, while infinitives are the base form of verbs preceded by "to" and can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.

Practice

Exercise 1

Choose the correct answer.

1. She enjoys ______ novels in her free time.

2. I need ______ a new computer soon.

3. He suggested ______ a movie tonight.

4. She doesn't mind ______ late to work.

5. It's important ______ a healthy lifestyle.

6. He can't stand ______ early in the morning.

7. She wanted ______ the book before watching the movie.

8. I'm considering ______ a new language.

9. I don't have time ______ that right now.

10. My goal is ______ a successful lawyer.

Exercise 2

Complete the gaps in the story with either an 'infinitive', a 'to infinitive' or a 'gerund' form of the verb in brackets.

Once upon a time in a village, there lived a young shepherd named Jack. Jack loved (1) (watch) over his flock of sheep on the hills. However, he also enjoyed (2) (play) pranks on the villagers. One day, feeling mischievous, Jack thought of a plan. He decided (3) (shout) loudly, "Wolf! Wolf!" The villagers, concerned for his safety, rushed to his aid. But when they arrived, Jack burst into laughter, (4) (admit) that it was just a joke.

A few days later, a real wolf appeared. Jack panicked and shouted for help. The villagers, (5) (remember) his previous prank, hesitated (6) (come) to his rescue. Sadly, the wolf attacked some of his sheep.

(7) (realise) the consequences of his actions, Jack regretted (8) (deceive) the villagers. His lies had cost him dearly. From that day on, the villagers no longer trusted his cries for help. Jack had learned a valuable lesson about the importance of (9) (tell) the truth.