Gerunds & Infinitives

Focus on Academic English

How to use InfinitivesO As the object of some verbs

(7.2):O I hope to pass the class.O Let’s do Ex. 3, p. 279!

O AFTER the object of a verb (7.3):O My parents expect me to call them.O Let’s do Ex. 6, p. 281!

How to use InfinitivesO After an adjective (7.5):

O Some people are happy to help others.

O Let’s do Ex. 12, p. 286!

O To show Purpose (7.6):O Use a dictionary (in order) to look

up new words.O Let’s do Ex. 15 & 16, p. 290!

How to use InfinitivesO As the subject with “It” (7.7):

O It is good to help other people.O It was a good decision to study

abroad.O *Notice that the infinitive can follow a

noun.O Let’s do Ex. 17, p. 291!

How to use GerundsO As the object of a preposition

(7.11):O I dreamed about riding a horse.

O *With certain common expressions (7.11):O Don’t spend money buying new books.O I have a hard time getting enough sleep.O Let’s do Ex. 27, p. 298!

How to use GerundsO As the object of a verb (7.13):

O I love giving students A’s.O Check HW: Ex. 31, p. 303

O As the subject of a clause (7.10, 7.15):O Getting an A is awesome.O Let’s do Ex. 34, p. 305!

O Check HW: p. 307, Ex. 35

Rules to RememberO Don’t confuse the preposition ‘to’ with

the infinitive ‘to’O I look forward to see the new dragon movie.O I look forward to seeing the new dragon

movie.O After an adjective, use the infinitive,

not ‘for’O It is important for make sure the machine

works.O It is important to make sure the machine

works.

Rules to RememberO Always use a gerund after a

preposition.O Students often worry about get into college.O Students often worry about getting into

college.O With a gerund (or infinitive) subject,

always use a singular verb.O Interviewing at several colleges are time-

consuming.O Interviewing at several colleges is time-

consuming.

Example Quiz Questions

O Find the mistake in each sentence:O I thought about to return to my

country.O Write a gerund or infinitive:

O It’s necessary (have) __________ a job.O Finish the sentence with your

own idea, using a gerund or infinitive correctly:O I have trouble ____________________.O I am afraid ______________________.O I’m interested in __________________.O It’s illegal ________________________.

Writing PracticeO Choose one topic. Use a gerund

or infinitive in EVERY sentence and underline all of them.

1. What did your parents expect you to do when you were growing up?

2. Describe your likes and dislikes, personality characteristics, and skills.

3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad?