Gerund vs. Infinitive

Definition

A gerund is the -ing form of a verb that functions as a noun, while an infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by 'to,' which can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb. Understanding the difference between these two forms is crucial for using them correctly in sentences, as they can change the meaning of the sentence and dictate different grammatical constructions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Gerunds can act as subjects, objects, or complements in a sentence, while infinitives can also serve those roles but may express purpose or intention more clearly.
2. Some verbs are typically followed by gerunds (e.g., 'enjoy,' 'avoid') while others are followed by infinitives (e.g., 'want,' 'decide').
3. Certain verbs can be followed by either gerunds or infinitives but can change meaning depending on which form is used (e.g., 'stop smoking' vs. 'stop to smoke').
4. Gerunds can take objects and modifiers just like nouns (e.g., 'reading a book'), while infinitives can be modified by adverbs (e.g., 'to quickly finish').
5. Context plays a crucial role in determining whether to use a gerund or an infinitive, as some expressions are idiomatic and require one form over the other.

Review Questions

• Compare and contrast how gerunds and infinitives function within a sentence. Provide examples.
  • Gerunds and infinitives both serve as noun forms in sentences but have distinct functions. For instance, in 'Swimming is fun,' 'swimming' serves as the subject of the sentence as a gerund. In contrast, in 'I want to swim,' 'to swim' acts as the direct object of the verb 'want' as an infinitive. Their usage can also convey different meanings; using a gerund emphasizes the action itself, while an infinitive often expresses intention or purpose.
• Analyze how certain verbs determine whether to use gerunds or infinitives after them, giving specific examples of each.
  • Certain verbs dictate whether to follow with a gerund or an infinitive due to their inherent meanings. For example, 'enjoy' is always followed by a gerund ('I enjoy reading'), while 'want' requires an infinitive ('I want to read'). Some verbs can be followed by both forms but may alter the meaning; for instance, 'remember to call' refers to remembering an obligation, whereas 'remember calling' refers to recalling an action already done. This illustrates how verb choices shape grammatical structure.
• Evaluate the significance of context when deciding between gerunds and infinitives in complex sentences.
  • Context significantly influences whether to use gerunds or infinitives, especially in complex sentences where meaning shifts can occur based on the form chosen. For example, consider the sentence 'She stopped to eat' versus 'She stopped eating.' The first implies she paused her activity to have a meal, while the second indicates she ceased eating altogether. Recognizing these nuances is essential for effective communication and ensures clarity in expressing intentions or actions.

Related terms

Participle: A participle is a verb form that can function as an adjective, often ending in -ed or -ing, used to modify nouns and provide additional information about them.

Modal Verbs: Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express necessity, possibility, permission, or ability, often used with base forms of main verbs.

Direct Object: A direct object is a noun or pronoun that receives the action of a verb in a sentence, answering the question 'what?' or 'whom?' after the verb.