Gerunds and Infinitives

What is “the infinitive form??

To + Verb = Infinitive

To + work = to work

To + play = to play

To + study = to study

Infinitive…

We use the infinitive form of the verb after adjectives:

Examples:It is important not to be lateIt isn’t easy to find a jobIt is nice to meet new people

Infinitive…

We use the infinitive form of the verb to say why we do something.

Examples:I went to the party to meet new peopleI come to this school to learn EnglishI went to the bar to get another drink

Verbs that can ONLY be followed by the infinitive:

Verbs that requirethe infinitive AFTER them…(this is not the complete list!)

want need

would like decide

learn pretend

Verbs followed by infinitives:Example Sentences

What is a gerund??

Verb + ing = Gerund

work + ing = working

play + ing = playing

study + ing = studying

Gerunds (-ing) . . .

We use the gerund form of the verb when it serves as the subject of the sentence:

Examples:Watching too much TV could be bad for our kids.Eating fruits and vegetables is good for you.Swimming is my favorite sport.Learning English is tough!

Gerunds (-ing) . . .

We use the gerund form of the verb after a preposition!!

Examples:She apologized forfor yelling at her boyfriend. I’m interested inin taking an art class. My mom is thinking aboutabout taking a vacation.

Verbs that can ONLY be followed by a gerund:

Verbs that requiregerunds AFTER them…

(this is not the complete list!)

enjoy avoid

finish suggest

don’t mind postpone

Verbs followed by gerunds:Example Sentences