GERUNDS AND INFINITIVES GERUNDS AND INFINITIVES A gerund

GERUNDS AND INFINITIVES

GERUNDS AND INFINITIVES A gerund is a noun. It is a verb form that ends in –ING. An infinitive is the form of the verb TO + VERB, and this can also function as a noun.

GERUNDS AND INFINITIVES Gerunds and infinitives can function as direct objects of verbs. Look at the examples below: I love swimming! Swimming is a noun that functions as the direct object of the sentence. I love to swim! To swim is a noun that functions as the direct object of the sentence. Notice that with the verb «love» , you can use either a gerund or an infinitive as the direct object, and there is no change in meaning.

GERUNDS AND INFINITIVES Other verbs that take either a gerund or infinitive without a change in meaning are: like, hate, start, begin, can´t stand, continue, prefer, can’t bear. Examples: It began to rain. It began raining. (Only when the main verb is in the progressive, we would prefer the infinitive: It was beginning to rain. NOT It was beginning raining. )

GERUNDS AND INFINITIVES Some verbs take gerunds or infinitives, but there is a change in meaning! Judy always remembers to lock the door. (She remembers, then locks. ) Judy remembers locking the door. (She locked the door before, and now remembers she did it. ) Others are: forget, regret, try

GERUNDS AND INFINITIVES Let’s take a look at a different example: He admitted talking to a friend during the test. Notice that after the verb «admit» , we need to use a gerund, and we can’t use an infinitive. He admitted to talk to a friend during the test. IMPOSSIBLE!

GERUNDS AND INFINITIVES Some verbs that need a gerund as a direct object are: Appreciate: I’d appreciate getting the report before tomorrow. Dislike: We dislike taking tests. Enjoy: They enjoy traveling. Quit: I quit studying German.

GERUNDS AND INFINITIVES Now, let’s take a look at an example with a different verb. The teacher agreed to change the date of the test. Notice that after the verb «agree» , we need to use an infinitive, and we can’t use a gerund. The teacher agreed changing the date of the test. IMPOSSIBLE!

GERUNDS AND INFINITIVES Some other verbs followed by infinitives are: Afford: I can’t afford to take a vacation. Ask: The policeman asked to see my license. Hope: I hope to return someday. Offer: They offered to help.

GERUNDS AND INFINITIVES Some verbs are followed by a noun or pronoun and an infinitive: Advise: She advised me to wait until tomorrow. Convince: She convinced Jim to go. Urge: They urged students to apply soon.