GERUNDS AND INFINITIVES

GERUNDS AND INFINITIVES

GERUNDS

Is a verb form that functions as a noun. It is created by adding the suffix "-ing" to the base form of a verb (e.g., "reading," "swimming," "writing").

KEY POINTS

1. Gerunds can act as the subject of a sentence:

"Swimming is my favorite activity"

2. Gerunds can function as the object of a verb:

"I enjoy reading novels"

3. Gerunds can be used as the object of a preposition:

"She is interested in painting"

4. Gerunds can also be used after certain verbs like:

"He likes playing football"

5. Gerunds can be used in continuous verb tenses:

"She is studying for her exams"

INFINITIVES

An infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by the word "to" (e.g., "to read," "to swim," "to write").

KEY POINTS

1. Infinitives can act as the subject of a sentence:

"To travel is my dream"

2. Infinitives can function as the object of a verb:

"She wants to learn French"

3. Infinitives can be used as the object of a preposition:

"He went to the store to buy groceries."

4. Infinitives can follow certain verbs like "want,"

"I want to go to the movies"

When we use that?

Infinitives are commonly used after certain verbs, expressions, or to indicate purpose or intention.

Gerunds are often used to talk about general activities, actions, or hobbies.

"I enjoy swimming." (gerund as the object of the verb "enjoy") "I want to swim." (infinitive after the verb "want") "She likes dancing." (gerund as the object of the verb "like") "She likes to dance." (infinitive after the verb "like") "I started studying." (gerund as the object of the verb "start") "I started to study." (infinitive after the verb "start")