Gerund & Infinitive
One verb is followed by, the form of the the 2 nd verb may be in the form or to form. Which form is depends
the the 1st verb.
1. Some verb are always followed by a gerund ( -ing ) form.
Ø Have you finished using the computer?
2. Some verbs are always followed by an infinitive with to. The infinitive is used to
.
show purpose ( why you are doing sth ).
Her husband wants to reach Harar before duck.
3. With some verbs both are possible, and sometimes it doesn’t make much difference .
which you use.
The child started to drink the glass of milk.
The child started drinking the glass of milk.
4. Some verbs can be followed by an object and the to form of another verb.
All of these products have helped farmers to grow more.
Gerund verb + ing (eating, going, studying )
Infinitive To + base verb ( to eat, to go, ... )
Ø Both gerunds and infinitives are action words ( I.e verb ) in meaning but they act like nouns in the
the sentences. They always take about position :
A subject or an object of the main verb.
Ø A gerund or infinitive is never main verb ( Ex. I hiking & I to study are incorrect.)
Example :- Siking is fun.d
I like hiking.
I need to study.
The gerund rules
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1. Subject = Gerund ;- When you need an action as a subject use gerund. Infinitives are
possible but gerunds are very formal.
Example : - Reading is my favourite hobby.
- Learning English has improved my confidence.
2. Preposition + Gerund ;- After preposition use a [Link] is true for prepositions that are part
phrasal verbs, too.
Example : - I thought about calling my uncle, but I was too tired.
- Are you planning on going to the party?
3. Verb + Gerund ;- A gerund or an infinitive can be used after a main verb. It
depends on the main verb. Memorizing the most common verbs that take a gerund such as advise, avoid,
enjoy, finish, practice, quite and suggest is helpful.
Example :- My teacher advised studying for quiz.
- They enjoy making crafts in class.
Ø Don’t forget that same verbs take either a gerund or an infinitive with no change in meaning. Some
common verbs include like, love & hate.
Example :- She likes watching movies.
- She likes to watch movies.
The Infinitive rules
1. Adjective+ Infinitive ;- After an adjective, it is common to use an infinitive verb. A gerund is possible
in some causes, but an infinitive is usually the better choice.
Example :- It is fun to play video games.
- It was helpful to learn these grammar.
2. Noun + Infinitive ;- if the main verb has an object that is a noun or a pronoun. It is almost always
followed by an infinitive verb instead of gerund.
Example :- Did you want me to call you?
- The students asked the teacher to help them.
Note : The rule are very helpful because it is stronger than the “verb + gerund.” For example, the verb
advice normally takes a gerund ( she advised studying for the test. ), but a noun/pronoun object will
override this rule.
Example :- She advised her student to study for the test.
3. Verb + Infinitive ;- A gerund or an infinitive can be used after a main verb. It depends on the
verb and there isn’t an easy rule for this case. Memorizing the most common verbs that take an infinitive
such as choose, decide, get, need, plan, promise & want is helpful.
Example :- He wants to learn Japanese.
- He need to clean up this place.
Verbs commonly followed by a Gerund
1) after verbs that express likes / dislikes
- like - dislike - enjoy - love - hate
Example :- I like playing football, but I hate boxing.
Note : Like / love / hate can be also followed by infinitive.
Example :- I like to watch T.V
2) After verbs such as admit, advice, alloy, anticipate, avoid, appreciate, complete, consider,
delay, fancy, finish, go, imagine, involve, mention, mind, miss, permit, practice, reject, resist, risk,
suggest, postpone, wast time / money.
Example :- Don't wast my time complaining
- She rejected working with them.
- They postponed travelling to America.
3) After preposition
4) After some expression Ex. - It is no good .... - It's no use ......
- There is no point .......... - I don't mind........
Verbs commonly followed by Infinitive
1) Verbs that can be followed by an infinitive
- afford, agree, aim, arrange, attempt, choose, consent, decide, deserve, demand, endeavour, expect, fail,
happen, help, hope, learn, manage, need, offer, plan, pretend, proceed, promise, refuse, seem, swear,
threaten, volunteer, would hate, would like, would love.
Example :- I would love to meet you.
- He would hate to lose
- I want to finish my home work.
2) After adjective
be determined
be dis appointed
be pleased
Ex. :- I'm disappointed to hear that you flunked maths.
3) After too & enough
- too difficult
- easy enough
Ex. :- It is too difficult to convince him.
Ø Verbs that can be followed by both gerund & infinitive
- start - stop - begin - remember
Example :- I started smoking when I was young.
- I started to smoke where I left the Office.