Learning the difference between gerunds and infinitives can greatly improve your English proficiency. It is often tricky for non-native speakers to understand when to use one over the other, but both play crucial roles in English grammar. In this article, we will delve into the essential rules and differences between gerunds and infinitives.
What are Gerunds?
Gerunds are verb forms ending in -ing that function as nouns. They are derived from verbs but can do just about anything that a noun does. This includes being the subject of a sentence, the object of a verb, or the object of a preposition. For example:
What's your English level?
Discover your level now: A1/A2/B1/B2/C1/C2 and GET your certificate!
- Swimming is fun.
- She enjoys running.
- He’s tired of waiting.
What are Infinitives?
Infinitives are the base form of a verb, usually preceded by to. They can be used as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. Infinitives often express the purpose of an action and sometimes follow certain verbs, adjectives, and nouns. For example:
- I plan to study tonight.
- She has the ability to succeed.
- It’s easy to forget.
Comparison Between Gerunds and Infinitives
To further illustrate the differences, let’s look at when you might use a gerund vs. an infinitive.
| Context | Gerund | Infinitive |
|---|---|---|
| After certain verbs | enjoy, mind, suggest | want, decide, promise |
| As the subject of a sentence | Swimming improves my health. | To swim is beneficial. |
| With adjectives & nouns | He’s interested in swimming. | He’s eager to swim. |
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Choosing between a gerund and an infinitive can sometimes alter the meaning of a sentence, or lead to incorrect grammar. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Forget + gerund/infinitive: “I forgot seeing you” implies you don’t remember the act of seeing, while “I forgot to see you” implies you neglected to visit.
- Stop + gerund/infinitive: “He stopped smoking” means he quit his smoking habit, but “He stopped to smoke” means he paused something else to smoke.
Useful Tips for Learning
Understanding when to use gerunds or infinitives takes practice. Here are a few tips:
- Practice regularly: Like any other skill, frequent practice helps. Write sentences using both gerunds and infinitives to see how they work in context.
- Read extensively: Pay attention to gerunds and infinitives as you read books, articles, or online content in English.
- Take tests: You can check your English level using the GET Global English Test to determine your understanding of these concepts.
Additional Resources for Mastery
For further reading and exercises, you can explore these resources:
- Cambridge Dictionary for an online reference of grammar rules.
- British Council for more in-depth lessons and activities.
- Merriam-Webster for definitions and examples of usage.
Key Differences Explained
While gerunds and infinitives can both serve similar purposes, understanding their distinctions is vital. Let’s clarify some key differences:
- Usage as Subjects: Gerunds often function as subjects in sentences, such as “Swimming is fun,” whereas infinitives can also take on this role, like in “To swim is beneficial.”
- After Verbs: Gerunds follow certain verbs like “enjoy” or “mind,” while infinitives come after verbs such as “want” or “decide.”
- Expressing Purpose: Infinitives are commonly used to show intention or purpose, for example, “She went to the store to buy milk.”
Case Studies on Correct Usage
Let’s examine a couple of scenarios where the choice between a gerund and an infinitive impacts the meaning of a sentence:
- “He remembered calling his friend.” (correct)
- “He remembered to call his friend.” (correct)
In the first case, the action of calling is recalled, while in the second, the act of making a phone call was the memory trigger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries regarding gerunds and infinitives:
By exploring these FAQs, learners can clarify common doubts and gain a better grasp of using gerunds and infinitives accurately.
