Infinitives and Gerunds

Infinitives

• Infinitives are verb forms to act as nouns, adjectives or adverbs.
• Use ‘to + verb’
• Use infinitives after certain verbs, such as; decide, agree, expect, hope, plan, promise, refuse, want. E.g. I want to go on holiday.
• Use infinitives after adjectives. E.g. It’s easy to cook pasta.
• Use infinitives to show why you do something (purpose). E.g. I am going to the shop to buy some milk.

Gerunds

• Gerunds are -ing form of verbs that act as nouns, adjectives or adverbs.
• Use ‘verb-ing’
• Use gerunds after certain verbs, such as; deny, enjoy, consider, avoid, finish, imagine, mind, miss, suggest. E.g. I suggest talking to him.
• Use gerunds after prepositions. E.g. Before leaving the house, I need to put my shoes on.
• Use gerunds to function as nouns at the beginning of sentences. E.g. Swimming is a lot of fun.