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 Gerunds
and Infinitives
The lesson includes a video program, an audio program
explaining this grammar topic, the script for the audio
program, a words in this story section,
and other important information. |
Video Program
Watch the video program explaining this grammar topic.
Then listen to the audio program explaining this grammar topic. |
Audio Program
Listen to the audio program explaining this
grammar topic. Then read the following written
information. |
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Gerunds and Infinitives |
Welcome to another episode of Everyday Grammar on VOA
Learning English.
English learners have difficulty with gerunds and
infinitives. A gerund is the –ing form of a verb that
functions the same as a noun. For example, “Running is
fun.” In this sentence, “running” is the gerund. It acts
just like a noun.
The infinitive form of a verb appears either as the
basic form (with no marking) or with the word “to.” For
example, you can say “I might run to the store” or “I
like to run.” In this sentence, “to run” is the
infinitive.
It is difficult for English learners to know whether to
use a gerund or an infinitive after a verb.
Here’s an example. Which sentence is correct?
Sentence one: I suggested going to dinner.
Sentence two: I suggested to go to dinner.
Sentence one, with the gerund, is correct. “I suggested
going to dinner.” Why? You can only use a gerund after
the verb “suggest.”
Let’s take the word “like.” You can say “I like"
running” or “I like to run.” Both sentences have the
same meaning. You can use either a gerund or an
infinitive after “like.” Now let’s try “enjoy.” We can
say, “I enjoy running.” But we cannot say, “I enjoy to
run.” Why? Only a gerund can follow the verb “enjoy.”
Are you confused yet? You’re not alone. Gerunds and
infinitives confuse even very advanced English learners.
Basically, some verbs are followed by gerunds, some
verbs are followed by infinitives, and some verbs can be
followed by gerunds or infinitives. Native speakers do
not think about the difference. But English learners
have to memorize the hundreds of different verb
combinations.
Here are a few tips.
Tip number one: you almost
always find a gerund after a preposition. For example,
“She is afraid of flying.” In this sentence “of” is the
preposition and “flying” is the gerund. You cannot say
“She is afraid of to fly.” An infinitive cannot be the
object of a preposition, only a gerund can. You could
say, “She is afraid to fly,” but in this sentence, the
preposition “of” is gone.
Tip number two: When you
are talking about an activity, you usually use a gerund.
For example, “I stopped smoking.” You can describe many
activities by using “go” before a gerund. “Let’s go
shopping,” or “We went skiing.”
Let’s see how much you know. Try to complete these
sentences using the verb “study.” Ready? I’ll read the
first part of the sentence and you finish it.
I enjoy … (studying)
I considered … (studying)
I managed … (to study)
I hope … (to study)
I suggested … (studying)
I like… … (studying) or … (to study)
This is only a simple introduction to a complicated
grammar topic.
There is no quick and easy way to learn gerunds and
infinitives. It takes years of practice and familiarity
with the English language. Next time you read or listen
to a VOA Learning English story, pay attention to use of
gerunds and infinitives. Over time, you will begin to
hear the right verb combination.
Below is a helpful reference list for using gerunds and
infinitives.
I’m Jonathan Evans.
And I’m Ashley Thompson.
Adam Brock wrote this story for Learning English. Dr.
Jill Robbins was the editor. |
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Words in This Story |
- gerund
- n. an English noun
formed from a verb by adding -ing
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infinitive - n.
the basic form of a verb; usually used with to
except with modal verbs like should and could and
certain other verbs like see and hear
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preposition - n.
a word or group of words that is used with a noun,
pronoun, or noun phrase to show direction, location,
or time, or to introduce an object
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Now it’s your turn. In the Facebook comments section
below, write one sentence that uses a verb followed by a
gerund or an infinitive. |
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Additional Information |
Only a gerund can follow these
verbs:
admit, advise, avoid, be used to, can’t help, can’t
stand, consider, deny, discuss, dislike, end up, enjoy,
feel like, finish, forget, get used to, give up, go on,
have difficulty, have problems, have trouble, imagine,
it’s no use, it’s worthwhile, keep, look forward to,
mention, mind, miss, recommend, remember, quit, spend
time, stop, suggest, understand, waste time, work at
Either a gerund or an infinitive
can follow these verbs, and there is no change in
meaning
begin, continue, hate, intend, like, love, prefer, start
Either a gerund or an infinitive
can follow these verbs, but the meaning may change:
forget, remember, stop
An infinitive follows these
verbs:
afford, agree, appear, arrange, ask, care, decide,
demand, expect, fail, forget, hope, learn, manage, mean,
offer, plan, prepare, pretend, promise, refuse,
remember, seem, stop, volunteer, wait, want, wish
A noun or pronoun and an
infinitive follow these verbs
advise, allow, ask, cause, challenge, command, convince,
expect, forbid, force, hire, instruct, invite, order,
pay, permit, program, remind, teach, tell, urge, want,
warn |
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Source: Voice of America |
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Grammar Tips |
Can You Catch These Native Speaker Mistakes?
(Beginner - Listening)
An audio lesson to
help with your understanding of common mistakes. The English is
spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Click here to visit the lesson page with the written script for this
audio program. |
Commonly Confused Words: Part One
(Beginner - Listening,
reading)
A video lesson to
help with your understanding of commonly confused
words.
The English is
spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Click here to visit the lesson page. |
Commonly Confused Words: Part One
(Beginner - Listening)
An audio lesson to
help with your understanding of commonly confused
words. The English is
spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Click here to visit the lesson page with the written script for this
audio program. |
Commonly Confused Words: Part Two
(Beginner - Listening,
reading)
A video lesson to
help with your understanding of commonly confused
words.
The English is
spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Click here to visit the lesson page. |
Commonly Confused Words: Part Two
(Beginner - Listening)
An audio lesson to
help with your understanding of commonly confused
words. The English is
spoken at 75% of normal speed.
Click here to visit the lesson page with the written script for this
audio program. |
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