PG 2
Why learn to use Gerunds and Infinitives?
Go here for the Spelling of Gerunds
Here are 6 reasons:
Gerunds and infinitives are super important because they help with:
Correct Grammar:
Understanding when to use gerunds and infinitives helps ensure grammatically correct sentence construction. Using them appropriately helps convey meaning accurately and enhances overall language proficiency.
Examples:
Infinitives: “To succeed in business, you need to take calculated risks.”
Gerunds: “Practicing regularly is crucial for improving your language skills.”
In both examples, the choice of gerunds and infinitives helps convey the intended meaning more precisely. They allow us to express actions and ideas in a more nuanced and specific manner, ensuring effective communication of our intentions and objectives.
Welcome to gerunds and infinitives
Verb Patterns:
Gerunds and infinitives often follow specific verb patterns or collocations. Mastering these patterns allows you to use verbs correctly in various contexts, improving your fluency and communication skills.
1st Verb + Gerund:
- Enjoy + gerund: I enjoy playing soccer.
- Avoid + gerund: She avoids eating junk food.
- Consider + gerund: We considered going to the concert.
2nd Verb + Infinitive:
- Want + infinitive: They want to travel the world.
- Need + infinitive: He needs to finish his homework.
- Plan + infinitive: We plan to visit our grandparents.
3rd Verb + Gerund or Infinitive (with a change in meaning):
- Remember + gerund: I remember swimming in the lake. (I have a memory of swimming.)
- Remember + infinitive: I remembered to lock the door. (I didn’t forget to lock the door.)
- Forget + gerund: He forgot calling his friend. (He doesn’t remember making the call.)
- Forget + infinitive: Don’t forget to bring your umbrella. (Remember to bring it.)
4th Verb + Gerund or Infinitive (with no change in meaning):
- Start + gerund/infinitive: She started to work / working on the project.
- Begin + gerund/infinitive: We began to study / studying for the exam.
- Continue + gerund/infinitive: They continued to talk / talking about their plans.
These examples demonstrate how certain verbs are commonly followed by either gerunds or infinitives, and in some cases, the choice of gerund or infinitive can alter the meaning of the sentence. Mastering these verb patterns helps improve fluency and accuracy in using verbs in various contexts.
Welcome to gerunds and infinitives
VERB COMPLEMENT:
Gerunds and infinitives can act as verb complements, serving as objects or complements of other verbs. Knowing which form to use in different situations enables you to express ideas and actions accurately.
Gerund as a Verb Complement:
- I enjoy swimming in the ocean.
- She suggested going to the movies.
- They don’t mind cleaning the house.
Infinitive as a Verb Complement:
- He wants to eat dinner at the new restaurant.
- We need to finish the project by tomorrow.
- They decided to visit their grandparents over the weekend.
In these examples, the gerund “swimming,” “going,” and “cleaning” act as the objects or complements of the verbs “enjoy,” “suggested,” and “mind,” respectively. The infinitives “to eat,” “to finish,” and “to visit” function as the objects or complements of the verbs “wants,” “need,” and “decided,” respectively.
Choosing between a gerund or an infinitive as a verb complement depends on the specific verb and the intended meaning. Understanding which form to use in different situations allows for accurate expression of ideas and actions.
Welcome to gerunds and infinitives
VARIETY IN SENTENCE STRUCTURE:
Gerunds and infinitives provide flexibility in sentence structure. By incorporating them effectively, you can add variety and sophistication to your writing and speaking, making your language more engaging and expressive.
Gerunds adding variety:
- Running helps me clear my mind.
- Cooking is not only a hobby but also a form of relaxation.
- Singing in the shower always lifts my spirits.
Infinitives adding variety:
- To travel is my ultimate goal in life.
- She decided to take up painting as a creative outlet.
- I strive to continuously improve my language skills.
Gerunds and infinitives combined for variety:
- He enjoys playing basketball and hopes to compete professionally one day.
- They started studying together to prepare for the exam.
Welcome to gerunds and infinitives
UNDERSTANDING OTHERS:
Recognizing gerunds and infinitives in others’ speech or writing helps you comprehend and interpret their messages accurately. It allows you to grasp the nuances and intended meanings of sentences, facilitating effective communication.
Gerund as a subject:
Running is great for improving cardiovascular health.
(The gerund “running” acts as the subject of the sentence, highlighting its importance in improving health.)
Infinitive as an adverbial phrase:
She studied hard to pass the exam.
(The infinitive phrase “to pass the exam” modifies the verb “studied,” indicating the purpose or intention behind her studying.)
Gerund as an object:
I love watching movies.
(The gerund “watching” serves as the direct object of the verb “love,” expressing the activity that brings enjoyment.)
Infinitive as an object complement:
He considers her to be a reliable employee.
(The infinitive phrase “to be a reliable employee” acts as the complement of the verb “considers,” describing the qualities attributed to her.)
ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL CONTEXT:
Proficiency in using gerunds and infinitives is often expected in academic writing, formal reports, and professional communication. Developing these skills equips you to meet the linguistic expectations of these contexts.
Academic Writing:
- The study focused on investigating the effects of exercising regularly.
(The gerund “exercising” serves as the object of the preposition “of” and helps convey the ongoing action of exercise.) - To understand the phenomenon fully, further research is required.
(The infinitive “to understand” emphasizes the goal or objective of achieving full comprehension.)
Formal Reports:
- The team proposed implementing a new marketing strategy to enhance customer engagement.
(The gerund “implementing” functions as the object of the verb “proposed” and highlights the action being suggested.) - “To improve productivity, it is recommended to streamline the workflow.”
(The infinitive phrase “to improve productivity” expresses the purpose or desired outcome.)
Professional Communication:
- “We appreciate your prompt responding to our inquiry.”
(The gerund “responding” acts as the direct object of the verb “appreciate,” indicating the action that is valued.) - To effectively manage the project, it is essential to allocate resources efficiently.
(The infinitive phrase “to effectively manage the project” conveys the necessary approach or methodology.)
Welcome to gerunds and infinitives
