Gerunds vs. Infinitives

Gerunds and infinitives are both verbal forms that act as nouns. Gerunds end in -ing, such as swimming, walking, or laughing. Infinitives are the basic verb form with the particle to, as in to swim, to walk, or to laugh. Sometimes it can be difficult to know whether it's best to use a gerund or an infinitive in a sentence. Here are a few rules:

Both gerunds and infinitives can follow a verb, as in, "I don’t like losing," or, "I don’t like to lose." They can also both be the subject of a sentence, as in, "Catching a speeding ball is hard," or, "To catch a speeding ball is hard."

But only gerunds follow prepositions. For example, it’s correct to say, "I can’t leave a painting without finishing it," but it’s not correct to say, "I can’t leave a painting without to finish it."

Gerunds vs. Infinitives Grammar Quiz

Gerunds vs. Infinitives Lessons:

IK Kim - Hole in One	Hunting	Writing Letters	Break A Leg
Construction	Cocktails	Film Adaptations	Baking

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julywidiawati

Indonesia

Leaving separately from family is hard, but I can't make it through without supporting from them.

realnica

Nicaragua

oooh! So in other words " I cant't pick it up without breaking it". is that correct?

Artien

Indonesia

Thank u 4 this website. It’s help for me to practise the english conversation.

dennismoe

Myanmar

just simple!

elenawoman

Argentina

very good explanation !!

turki20

Saudi Arabia

porcelainD i really appreciate your efforts to you thank you very much.these are what i ever looked for thank you again

PorcelainDoll

Russian Federation

Gerund:

1. As a noun

Smoking is dangerous.2. After love, like, dislike, hate, enjoyI love going to discos.3. After start, begin, stop, finishHe started doing his homework at 3 o’clock1. After go for physical activitiesShe went skiing last Sunday2. After certain verbs: prefer, miss, avoid, admit, deny, look forward to, mind, regret, risk, spend, suggest, delay, imagin`e, involve, practiceI don’t mind helping you.3. After expressions: I’m busy, It’s no use, It’s no good, it’s worth, what’s the use of, be use to, there’s no pointIt’s worth seeing that film.4. After prepositionsHe left without taking his coat

5. After hear, see, sound to emphasize action in process.

I saw her crossing the street

PorcelainDoll

Russian Federation

Infinitive:

1. To express purpose. He went to buy some bread2. After would love/like/prefer/hateI’d love to see you tonight3. After adjectives:Angry, glad, happy, sorry, pleased, annoyedI’m glad to see you here1. With too or enoughHe’s too old to drive2. After verbs: pretend, claim, seem, appear, tend, offer, decide, hope, deserve, attempt, promise, agree, plan, aim, afford, manage, threaten, refuse, arrange, learn, forget, fail, expect, ask, beg, help, meanI hope to meet him againInfinitive without to1. After modal verbsWe must leave soon

2. After let, make, hear, see + object

Let me go.