Gerunds and Infinitives: What’s the Difference and How to Use Them Correctly
Hey there! If you're diving into the world of English grammar, you've probably come across the terms gerunds and infinitives. These two forms of verbs are tricky sometimes, and understanding their differences can make your writing clearer and more professional. Today, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to confidently distinguish and use gerunds and infinitives correctly. Whether you're a student, a writer, or just a language enthusiast, this guide is tailored to help you master this essential aspect of English grammar.
What Are Gerunds and Infinitives? An Easy Explanation
Let's start with the basics. You might think, “Okay, I know what a verb is, but what about these gerunds and infinitives?”
Gerund
A gerund is the -ing form of a verb that acts as a noun. It looks just like a verb but functions as a noun in a sentence.
Example: Swimming is good exercise.
*In this case, “swimming” is a noun playing the role of the subject.
Infinitive
An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by to. It also can act as a noun, adjective, or adverb.
Example: To swim is my favorite activity.
Difference Between Gerunds and Infinitives: An In-Depth Look
While both are verb forms that function as nouns, their usage is quite different. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for grammatical accuracy and natural sounding English.
| Feature | Gerunds | Infinitives |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Verb + -ing | to + base verb |
| Function in sentence | Noun | Noun, adjective, or adverb |
| Typical use cases | After prepositions, as subjects, as objects | To express purpose, after certain verbs, adjectives |
| Example sentences | I enjoy swimming. Running is fun. |
I want to swim. She decided to run. |
Common Usage Patterns of Gerunds and Infinitives
Even though some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, the meaning may change, or the use might sound awkward. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Verbs Usually Followed by Gerunds:
- Enjoy
- Avoid
- Consider
- Suggest
- Keep
- Mind
- Admit
- Mind
Example: I enjoy reading books.
Verbs Usually Followed by Infinitives:
- Want
- Need
- Decide
- Hope
- Expect
- Refuse
- Fail
Example: She hopes to travel next year.
Verbs That Can Take Either Gerund or Infinitive (Sometimes with a change in meaning):
| Verb | Gerund Example | Infinitive Example | Difference in Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remember | I remember calling her. | I remembered to call her. | Gerund: Recall past action. Infinitive: Remember to do something in the future. |
| Stop | She stopped smoking. | She stopped to smoke. | Gerund: Ceased an action. Infinitive: Paused to do something else. |
Tips for Success in Using Gerunds and Infinitives
- Learn common verb patterns that pair with each form.
- Pay attention to the verb in the sentence; some verbs have fixed patterns.
- Check a reliable grammar resource when in doubt about specific verbs.
- Practice through exercises and real-life writing to internalize correct usage.
- Remember that certain expressions always use one form, e.g., look forward to + gerund, want + infinitive.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Using a gerund after a verb that needs an infinitive. | Always check the verb’s pattern. For example, don’t say I want swimming. Use I want to swim. |
| Omitting “to” before base infinitive after certain verbs. | Remember that most infinitives include to. For example, decide is followed by to + verb. |
| Confusing similar verbs like stop or remember with meaning. | Learn the specific pattern and meaning for each verb. |
Variations & Related Forms
- Gerund as subject or object: Eating late* isn’t good for health.*
- Infinitive for purpose: She went to the store to buy a gift.
- Infinitive with adjectives: It’s easy to learn grammar.
- Gerunds after prepositions: They talked about going to the beach.
Why Does It Matter? The Importance of Proper Usage
Mastering when to use gerunds vs. infinitives enhances your clarity and fluency. Correct usage can change the meaning of your sentences or make you appear more polished and professional. Plus, it helps avoid awkward sentences and misunderstandings — essential skills whether you’re writing essays, emails, or casual chats.
Practice Exercises to Strengthen Your Skills
Let's put theory into practice! Here are some engaging exercises.
1. Fill-in-the-blank
Complete the sentences with the correct form: gerund or infinitive.
- I forgot ___ (lock) the door.
- She decided ___ (take) a break.
- They enjoy ___ (play) soccer.
- He hopes ___ (visit) Paris someday.
2. Error Correction
Identify and correct the mistakes.
- She decided to go shopping yesterday.
- I enjoying read books before bed.
- We want visiting the museum.
3. Identification
Determine whether the verb following the blank should be a gerund or infinitive.
- She admitted ___ (steal) the cookies.
- He plans ___ (start) a new job.
- They suggested ___ (have) lunch now.
4. Sentence Construction
Create sentences with given verbs, using either gerund or infinitive as appropriate.
- learn
- refuse
- enjoy
- hope
5. Category Matching
Match verbs to their correct pattern.
| Verbs | Followed by Gerund | Followed by Infinitive |
|---|---|---|
| Admit | Yes | No |
| Decide | No | Yes |
| Suggest | Yes | No |
| Want | No | Yes |
Final Thoughts: The Path to Fluent Grammar
Getting a grip on gerunds and infinitives isn’t just about memorizing rules; it’s about understanding how these forms fit into your overall communication. The more you practice, the more natural it will become. Pick a few verbs each week to focus on, and keep practicing through writing and speaking exercises.
Remember, mastering these grammar points is a step toward clearer, more persuasive English. Don't get discouraged by mistakes; every error is an opportunity to learn.
In Conclusion
Gerunds and infinitives are fundamental building blocks of good English. By understanding their differences, common patterns, and learning how to choose the right form, you can elevate your writing and speaking skills. Keep practicing with exercises, stay curious, and soon it will become second nature. Good luck on your grammar journey — and remember, the key is consistent practice!
If you want to dive deeper, I recommend creating flashcards for verbs that take gerunds vs. infinitives, and always reviewing new examples in context. Happy learning!