GERUNDS AND INFINITIVES GERUND A Gerund is a
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GERUNDS AND INFINITIVES
GERUND • A Gerund is a noun formed from a verb by adding –ing to the end of the verb. The gerund can be used as the subject of a sentence: Spending money on others promotes happiness. or the object of a sentence: He enjoyed being around her all day long.
INFINITIVE • An infinitive is the 'to' form of the verb. The infinitive form of 'learn' is 'to learn'. The infinitive can be also used as the subject of a sentence: To learn is important. or the object of a sentence: He wants to learn.
GERUND vs. INFINITIVE • Gerunds and infinitives can often be used interchangeably however there is a meaning difference: using a gerund suggests that we are referring to real activities or experiences. Using an infinitive suggests that we are talking about potential or possible activities or experiences.
like • I like speaking French because it's such a beautiful language. (I like the experience of speaking French, and the way it makes me feel when I speak the language) • I like to speak French when I'm in France. (I prefer the option of speaking French when I am in France)
mean • Mean + gerund (ing) expresses what you mean, or what the result of an action will be: If you take that job in London, it will mean traveling for two hours every day. • Mean + infinitive expresses an intention/plan: I mean to finish this report by 5: 00 pm
stop • Stop + Gerund means one quits doing something: The government stopped providing free health care. • Stop + Infinitive means you were doing something and then took a break, or stopped on your way somewhere: I stopped to buy milk on my way home. (I went to the store before going home. )