What is a Gerund?
A gerund is a verb form ending in “-ing” that functions as a noun. While derived from a verb, it acts as a noun by taking on roles like the subject, direct object, or object of a preposition in a sentence.
Characteristics of Gerunds
- Formation: Verb base + “-ing” (e.g., biking, thinking).
- Function: Acts as a noun, not a verb, focusing on the action as a concept.
Uses of Gerunds
- Subject: Biking is my newest hobby.
- Direct Object: I love biking.
- Object of a Preposition: I blocked out hours for biking.
Gerund Phrases
A gerund phrase is composed of a gerund and related modifiers or objects.
- Example: Running with scissors is dangerous.
What is an Infinitive?
An infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by the word “to.” Infinitives can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs, making them highly versatile.
Characteristics of Infinitives
- Formation: “to” + base verb (e.g., to read, to dance).
- Function: Can act as a noun, adjective, or adverb, described as the purest form of the verb.
Uses of Infinitives
As Nouns:
- Subject: To watch movies is my favorite pastime.
- Direct Object: I plan to travel next summer.
As Adjectives:
- Provides a description or clarification for nouns.
- Example: I have a lot of work to do.
As Adverbs:
- Modifies verbs, adjectives, or adverbs to indicate purpose or intention.
- Example: She studies hard to succeed.
Choosing Between Gerunds and Infinitives
Some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, often with no change in meaning, but sometimes the meaning changes:
- Same Meaning:
- I like to swim. / I like swimming.
- Different Meaning:
- I stopped smoking. (I quit smoking completely.)
- I stopped to smoke. (I paused my activity to have a cigarette.)
Rules of Thumb:
- Use a gerund for actions that are real, specific, or completed: Writing is my hobby.
- Use an infinitive for hypothetical, abstract, or future actions: I hope to write a novel someday.
Verbs Commonly Followed by Infinitives:
- Agree: She agreed to help us.
- Decide: They decided to leave early.
- Promise: He promised to call.
Verbs Commonly Followed by Gerunds:
- Enjoy: She enjoys running.
- Consider: They considered moving to a new city.
- Suggest: He suggested meeting again soon.
Special Cases and Usage Tips
Some verbs require either a gerund or an infinitive but not both. For example:
- Begin, start, continue can often take either without much difference in meaning.
- For example: I can start walking now. = I can start to walk now.
- Stop, remember change meaning depending on whether they are followed by a gerund or infinitive.
- For example: I will remember to visit him. ≠ I will remember visiting him.
Understanding when to use a gerund or an infinitive involves familiarization with these patterns and the ability to recognize the nuances in meaning they introduce to your writing and speech. Try to practice recognizing gerunds and infinitives by looking at the context of the sentences surrounding them; this will usually give you clues if you aren’t sure!