What is a gerund? • a noun with an ‘ing’ ending e.g.
Swimming is a great exercise.
subject
I really enjoy swimming.
object
Learning English can be challenging.
subject
What is the word ‘challenging’ in the above sentence? an adjective
= describes “Learning English
How is a gerund different from a verb or a participial adjective? • gerund is “stand-alone”; it does not require the verb ‘be’ COMPARE:
She is eating alone.
verb
Eating alone is something she often does.
gerund = subject
• adjective is positioned before a noun or after a linking verb e.g.
I saw an interesting movie. That movie was interesting. That movie seems interesting.
How is gerund used in a sentence? • as a subject e.g. Hang gliding is becoming more and more popular.
• as an object e.g. I have never tried hang gliding.
• as an object of a preposition e.g. We are excited about hang gliding during our trip.
When do we use gerunds? • as subjects or objects e.g. Working overtime is a good way to make extra money. I am not interested in working overtime.
• after particular verbs e.g. I would like to go shopping this weekend.
She couldn’t stop laughing. We should practice speaking English more often. Would you consider lending me your car?
When do we use gerunds? • as objects of prepositions e.g. He is good at working with his hands. I am tired of hearing the same excuses.
• after particular verbs that are collocated with prepositions e.g. She admitted to stealing the boat.
Do you ever dream about flying? They have succeeded at building a solar vehicle. He often complains about having to do homework.
When do we use gerunds? • after special expressions e.g. We had fun playing tennis. I am having difficulty understanding you. The teacher caught the student cheating. (catch someone or something + ‘ing’)
He wasted money calling his friends during peak time. She stood there smiling in the centre of the train platform.
have fun have a good time have trouble have difficulty/ a hard time
What is an infinitive? • the base form of a verb with “to”
e.g. to go →
He likes to go grocery shopping.
to be →
You should try to be more patient.
to come →
Would you like to come to our party?
Can an infinitive be a subject or object? • yes, though it can sound strange or awkward Compare:
To go to the cinema is a great way to relax.
vs. Going to the cinema is a great way to relax.
Which is better?
When do we use infinitives? • to show a purpose e.g. She came to Canada to learn English. (She came to Canada so that she could learn English.)
They bought a dog to discourage thieves. (They bought a dog so that they could keep thieves away).
When do we use infinitives? • after an object e.g. He told me to mind my own business. They asked their son to come home earlier.
• after adjectives e.g. He is happy to be home again.
It will be good to see them again.
When do we use infinitives? • after ‘ed’ or ‘ing’ participles
e.g. It was interesting to hear about his adventures. (NOTE: We are interested in finding out more.)
They will be delighted to hear the good news. The violent movie was disturbing to watch. She was forbidden to go.
(forbidden by her parents) They were warned not to return. (warned by their enemies)
When do we use infinitives? • after the verb in sentences that begin with ‘It’ e.g. It would be best not to discuss it any more. It will be interesting to hear about his adventures. It is certainly a good way to learn. It will not be easy to figure out.
NOTE: • after the present perfect, either a gerund or infinitive can be used in ‘It’ sentences It has been wonderful to see you again.
It has been wonderful seeing you again.
When do we use infinitives? • after ‘too’ or ‘enough’ e.g. You have had too much to drink. You have had enough to drink.
He had enough time to take on a second job. I have too many decisions to make. I don’t have enough time to do all this work.
He thinks it will be too difficult to get everything done.
When do we use infinitives? • after get when it is used as a causative verb e.g. We will get the painter to paint the wall again. The teacher got the students to do extra research. NOTE: The teacher
the student do extra research.
When do we use infinitives? • after certain verbs e.g. We plan to go there on our next vacation. She refused to finish the work.
I would like to see that movie again. I promise not to do that again.
Can some verbs be followed by either a gerund or infinitive? • yes e.g. He likes to go fishing. / He likes going fishing. They have started to play golf. / They have started playing golf.
I would prefer to walk. / I would prefer walking. Will it continue to rain all day? / Will it continue raining all day?
Does the meaning change with a gerund or infinitive? • sometimes it does, with certain verbs e.g. I forgot to go to the bank. (I didn’t go to the bank.) I forgot going to the bank. (I didn’t remember that I went to the bank.) I remembered to go to the bank. (I didn’t forget to go!) I remembered going to the bank. (I recall performing this action.) e.g. We regret to inform you that you weren’t successful. (We are sorry to give you this bad news.) We regret informing you that you weren’t successful. (We wish we hadn’t told you.)
Does the meaning change with a gerund or infinitive? • sometimes it does, with certain verbs e.g. The wall needs painting. (It needs to be painted. = passive) We need to paint the wall. (We need to take action. = active)
e.g. He stopped to ask some questions. (His purpose was to ask some questions.) He stopped asking questions. (He didn’t ask any more questions.)
Can gerunds be used with possessive adjectives (e.g. your, my, his, her, our, their)? • yes e.g. He wanted to talk to me about my coming to work late. They complained about our making noise until late at night.
We are surprised about your being so unhappy about this. They were not aware that their late-night grass cutting was bothering their neighbours. Your arriving late has upset our plans.
Remember: Gerunds and Infinitives are fun for all! YAY Gerunds!
YAY Infinitives!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTIPATION! I hope you understand gerunds and infinitives a little better than before. Did I answer all of your questions?
