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Chapter 7: Talking About Action — Not Doing It! Gerunds and Infinitives

I. Gerunds and Infinitives: Introduction and Review (All About Gerunds and Infinitives)

1.0 What do Gerunds and Infinitives Do?

Verbs are about doing actions.  Gerunds and infinitives are used to talk about these actions.  In a grammatical sense, they are verbs used in the place of nouns.  They can be used in any place in a sentence where a noun is used.  They can be the subject of a sentence, the direct or indirect object of a verb, or the object of a preposition in a prepositional phrase.  Nouns, verbs and adjectives are often followed by a preposition.  So, in this case, these word forms are often followed by a gerund.

It is important not to get them confused with a particular word that can be used in various parts of speech.  For example, ‘communicate’ is a verb, but it can also be used as a noun – ‘communication’.  ‘Communication’ is the noun form of the verb ‘communicate’.  This is not the same as a gerund or an infinitive, and the spelling of the Gerund or Infinitive form is often quite different from the noun form.  To change a noun form into a Gerund or Infinitive form, first look up the verb form of the noun, if there is one, and change the verb form into a Gerund or Infinitive.

Gerunds and infinitives are a noun form of a verb used in the place of a noun; however, they are not actually nouns because they have properties of both nouns and verbs.  They can be used in any place in a sentence where a noun is used.  However, like a verb they can have an object.

Examples

Examples of Gerunds used in place of a noun

  • Swimming is good exercise.  (subject of the sentence)
  • I like swimming.  (object of the verb ‘like’)
  • In the Olympic games, there is extreme competition (in swimming).  (object of the preposition)

Examples of Infinitives used in place of a noun

  • To swim is good exercise.
  • I like to swim.  (object of the verb ‘like’)
  • In the Olympic games, there is extreme competition (to swim).  (you cannot use an infinitive following a preposition)

Examples of Gerunds with an object

  • I like playing golf.  (gerund with an object of the gerund)
  • I enjoy fixing cars.  (gerund with an object of the gerund)

Examples of Infinitives with an object

  • I like to play golf.  (infinitive with an object of the infinitive)
  • I like to fix cars.  (infinitive with an object of the infinitive)

1.1 How to Write Gerunds and Infinitives

A gerund is written as the ‘-ing’ form of the verb – except that it does not have the helping verb ‘BE’ in front of it like the continuous form of the verb.  When you see an ‘-ing’ verb without a helping verb, it is not actually a verb – it is a Gerund.

Examples

I enjoy am helping people.  (gerund)

I am enjoying this party!  (verb)

An infinitive adds ‘to’ to the base form of the verb: ‘to’ + base form of the verb.

The base form of a verb is the simple verb without any endings.  The 3rd-person singular verb doesn’t have an ‘s’ added to it.

Example

Compare:

He swims. (verb)

He likes to swim. (infinitive—no ‘s’)

1.2 What is the Difference Between Gerunds and Infinitives?

Gerunds and infinitives are used in the same way grammatically; that is, they can replace any noun in a sentence to talk about an action.  The only difference grammatically is that infinitives cannot be used as the object of a preposition, while gerunds can.

The difference between gerunds and infinitives is about the periods of time they are used for—past, present, and future.  Gerunds are used to talk about past and present actions.  Infinitives are used to talk about future actions.

However, there is more.  Gerunds are used to talk about things that are real actions in the past or present.  They can be actions that happen regularly and are possible in reality.  Infinitives are used only to talk about actions of the future or actions that are not real—at least not yet.  They can be used to talk about our dreams or hopes for the future—things that are not real yet.  Or, they can also be used to talk about things that are not possible at all.

Examples

Gerunds: Things past or present.  Things that are real

  • I like swimming.  (it is an action that I actually do regularly—it is real)
  • I enjoyed swimming in the ocean on my vacation.

Infinitives: Things in the future.  Things that are not real or not possible

  • I hope to graduate in the spring.  (I will probably graduate, but it is not real yet)
  • I want to travel to Paris someday.  (a dream or hope)
  • I would like to swim on the moon.  (this is not possible—there is no swimming pool on the moon)

1.3 Gerunds and Infinitives

  1. Both Gerunds and Infinitives can be used in the place of nouns.
  2. They can be used as the subjects of a sentence, the object of a verb, or the object of a preposition.  They can be used in place of any noun in a sentence.

    Examples

    Walking is good exercise.  To walk is good exercise.  (subject of the sentence)

    I like walking.  I like to walk.  (object of the verb)

    A racket is used (for playing tennis).  (object of the preposition in a preposition phrase)

  3. While gerunds and infinitives take the place of nouns in a sentence, they are not nouns because they have some of the properties of both nouns and verbs.  While they can serve the same function as a noun in a sentence, they can have an object like a verb.

    Examples

    I like playing tennis.  (tennis is the object of the gerund ‘playing’)
    I like to play tennis.  (tennis is the object of the infinitive ‘playing’)

    Playing tennis is fun.  (tennis is the object of the gerund ‘playing’)
    To play tennis is fun.  (tennis is the object of the infinitive ‘playing’)

Table 7.1 Gerund and Infinitives (Comparison)
Gerunds Infinitives

Used for past, present and real

Used for future, unreal, dreams, future plans

Follow verbs that suggest the possibility of a past or present reality.

Examples

I enjoy doing something—it is something that I already know that I enjoy and do regularly.

Some verbs suggest either a past, present or future meaning, OR it is difficult to tell.

Follows verbs that suggest a future action.

Examples

I hope to go to Paris someday.

Some verbs suggest either a past, present or future meaning, OR it is difficult to tell.

Some verbs can be used as either a Gerund or Infinitive, but they have different meanings, depending on whether they are used as a Gerund or an Infinitive.

Some verbs can be used as either a Gerund or Infinitive, but they have different meanings, depending on whether they are used as a Gerund or an Infinitive.

Used as the object of a preposition.

Not used as the object of a preposition.

 

Exercise: Recognizing Gerunds and Infinitives

Underline the gerunds and double-underline the infinitives in the following paragraphs.

If you are going to build energy-efficient high rises in the future, consider using mass timber beams instead of steel beams to build the structure.  ‘Timber’ is another name for large pieces of wood or wood beams.

People are reacting to the huge amounts of energy that are needed to melt steel in order to make steel beams.  Instead, you could use mass timber.  Making mass timber includes taking narrow strips of wood and gluing them together under extreme pressure in order to make extremely strong and large beams of wood, which are used to construct the building.

Besides saving energy by avoiding the energy-intensive process of melting steel, you can also avoid the use of cement.  Making cement is also a very energy-intensive process.  The process of making cement includes a process in which you need to heat the cement to very high temperature.  In addition, using mass timber means that carbon is actually stored in the wood when trees grow.  Trees also take carbon out of the air and then replace it with oxygen.  It seems like a great idea to use mass timber instead of steel and cement to build high rises.

Answers show/hide

If you are going to (‘going to’ is the future form of the verb) build energy-efficient high rises in the future, consider using mass timber beams instead of steel beams to build the structure.  ‘Timber’ is another name for large pieces of wood or wood beams.

People are reacting to the huge amounts of energy that are needed to melt steel in order to make steel beams.  Instead, you could use mass timber.  Making mass timber includes taking narrow strips of wood and gluing them together under extreme pressure in order to make extremely strong and large beams of wood, which are used to construct the building.

Besides saving energy by avoiding the energy intensive process of melting steel, you can also avoid the use of cement.  Making cement is also a very energy-intensive process.  The process of making cement includes a process in which you need to heat the cement to very high temperatures.  On the other hand, using mass timber means that carbon is actually stored in the wood as the trees which are used to make mass timber grow.  Trees also take carbon out of the air and replace it with oxygen.  It seems like a great idea to use mass timber instead of steel and cement to build high rises.

2.0 Gerunds

2.1 Gerunds as Subjects

A noun or noun phrase is usually used as the subject of a sentence.

Examples

Doubts about our abilities often trouble us.

Tennis is good exercise.

Communication skills are important to our career.

A gerund can be used as an alternative to a noun or noun phrase as the subject of a sentence.

Examples

Doubting our abilities often troubles us.

Playing tennis is good exercise.

Communicating with skill is important to our career.

A gerund can be used as an alternative to a noun or noun phrase as the subject of a clause.

Examples

When people were working in the past, coffee breaks were a part of their workday.

When people were working in the past, taking coffee breaks was a part of their workday.

Remember that a Gerund is not the same as a noun.  It can have an object, just like a verb can have an object.

Examples

Gerund = Bold, Object of the Gerund = Underlined

  • Washing your car is a pleasant thing to do on a hot day.
  • My mother loved singing a song while she was baking in the kitchen.

Notice that a Gerund is singular and requires a singular verb after it.

Examples

Compare:

  • Doubts about our abilities often trouble us.
  • Playing tennis is good exercise.  (linking verb)
  • Doubting our abilities often troubles us.  (3rd-person singular verb has ‘s’ added to it)

Since a Gerund is written with an ‘-ing’ form, be careful not to confuse Gerund forms with the Continuous Tense Verbs.  The Continuous Tense Verb has the verb ‘BE’ in front of the ‘-ing’ form of the verb, while the Gerund does not have the verb ‘BE’.

Here, the sentence pattern of ‘subject + linking verb + modifier’ uses the verb BE as the linking verb.  In this sentence pattern, if the verb BE is followed by a gerund, it may look like a continuous tense verb.

To see this more clearly, switch the Gerund modifier to the position of subject of the sentence.

Example

The most important thing is [coming to work on time].

[Coming to work] on time is the most important thing.

Exercises

  1. Use a Gerund from the following list to complete the sentences.
     
    Word List: applying, organizing, calling, receiving, communicating, collecting.
     
    1.                             your desk can improve your mental focus.
    2.                             a friend when you are stressed can reduce your anxiety.
    3.                             money for hungry children helped Jordan express his empathy.
    4.                             your needs at work helps others to know how best to work with you.
    5.                             a well-thought-out gift can make you feel appreciated.
    6.                             for a job these days has become mostly online.

     

    Answers show/hide
    1. organizing
    2. calling
    3. collecting
    4. communicating
    5. receiving
    6. applying

     

  2. Write your own gerund as a subject in the blanks below.
     
    1.                                  $200 could really make your day a good one.
    2.                                  a good job is not always easy.
    3.                                  with your parents is sometimes difficult.
    4.                                  a pet is usually a good experience.
    5.                                  a messy room can make you depressed.

     
    Answers will vary.

2.2 Using Gerunds as Objects of a Verb: Verb + Gerund

The object of a verb is usually a noun.

Example

I gave water to my dog.

However, gerunds can also act as the object of a verb.

  • This could be in a Subject + Verb + Object sentence pattern.

Example

I enjoy walking in my neighborhood.

Exercises

  1. Underline the gerunds that serve as the object of the verb in the following paragraph.
     
    Karna enjoys eating healthy foods.  He started cooking with a lot of fruit and vegetables about six months ago.  Since he and many people in his country are vegetarians, markets that make buying vegetables and fruit easy are not hard to find.  Cookbooks that specialize in cooking vegetarian food are common.  Karna enjoys finding new spices to use, which makes tasting new dishes interesting and enjoyable.
     
    What about you?  Do you find trying your dishes exciting and pleasurable?  Or, do you prefer sticking with your favourite foods?  I recommend starting with something easy.  You can find dishes that are similar to the dishes in your culture but are not too spicy or have tastes that you have not tried eating yet.
     
    Answers show/hide

    Karna enjoys eating healthy foods.  He started cooking with a lot of fruit and vegetables about six months ago.  Since he and many people in his country are vegetarians, markets that make buying vegetables and fruit easy are not hard to find.  Cookbooks that specialize in cooking vegetarian food are common.  Karna enjoys finding new spices to use, which makes tasting new dishes interesting and enjoyable.

    What about you?  Do you find trying your dishes exciting and pleasurable?  Or do you prefer sticking with your favourite foods?  I recommend starting with something easy.  You can find dishes that are similar to the dishes in your culture but are not too spicy or have tastes that you have not tried eating yet.

     

  2. Use a gerund from the following list to complete the sentences.  First, change the verbs to gerunds.
     
    Word list: offend, get together, receive, meet with, wash, change, read
     
    1. Kazuo appreciates                          cards from coworkers at New Years.
    2. Jakub suggests                          for a picnic at the beach.
    3. Our boss often delays                          employees because he has a very busy schedule.
    4. I don’t mind                          dishes by hand because it relaxes me.
    5. If possible, Misako avoids                          others by checking her email at dinner.
    6. I would consider                          jobs if I found a job that has better benefits.
    7. Yasmin stops                          when her eyes start to hurt.

     

    Answers show/hide
    1. receiving
    2. getting together
    3. meeting with
    4. washing
    5. offending
    6. changing
    7. reading

     

  3. Put the following words or phrases in order using a Gerund as the Object of the sentence.  One word is a Verb that must be changed to a Gerund.  Remember that a Gerund might have its own object because it still has characteristics of a verb.  Capitalize the first letter of the sentence.
     
    1. have you / helping / who has had an accident / ever considered / someone?
                                                                                                                                      
    2. keeps buying / because / lottery tickets / he hopes to get rich / Jason
                                                                                                                                      
    3. getting / are discussing / they / a new car / are
                                                                                                                                      
    4. my shoes / for work / cleaning / I / before I leave / want to finish
                                                                                                                                      
    5. at it / Alesia / by waving frantically / tried stopping the bus
                                                                                                                                      

     

    Answers show/hide
    1. Have you ever considered helping someone who has had an accident?
    2. Jason keeps buying lottery tickets because he hopes to get rich.
    3. They are discussing getting a new car.
    4. I want to finish cleaning my shoes before I leave for work.
    5. Alesia tried stopping the bus by waving frantically at it.

     

  4. Answer the following questions using a gerund as the object of the verb.  Share your answer with a partner.
     
    1. What would you like to stop doing?
                                                                                                                                      
    2. What would you like to start doing?
                                                                                                                                      
    3. What do you usually avoid doing?
                                                                                                                                      
    4. What would you consider doing if you had a lot of money?
                                                                                                                                      
    5. What would you consider doing if you had more courage?
                                                                                                                                      

     
    Answers will vary.

2.3 Objects of Gerunds: Verb + Gerund + Object of the Gerund

The object of a verb is usually a noun.

Example

I gave water to my dog.

Gerunds also act as the object of a verb; however, in addition, they themselves can also have their own object.

Example

I enjoy hitting baseballs at the baseball field.
Verb + Gerund + Object of the Gerund
  • Notice here that the gerund ‘hitting’ has its own object—baseballs.

Exercises

  1. Add an object to the gerunds in the sentences below.  Following the gerunds in the following sentences, add an object from the list below.
     
    Word List: lantern boats, food, the bears, guests, houses
     
    1. Welcoming                                 is an important part of Bedouin culture and was often necessary for survival in the past.
    2. Feeding                                 in a national park causes them to become comfortable around people, but later they may become aggressive towards people.
    3. One of the festivals in Thailand includes releasing                                 with a candle in them into a river.
    4. In some parts of Southeast Asia, bamboo is common for building                                .
    5. One traditions of the Hindu religion includes giving                                 to guests.

     

    Answers show/hide
    1. guests
    2. the bears
    3. lantern boats
    4. houses
    5. food

     

  2. Put the following words or phrases in order using a gerund as the subject of the sentence.  One word is a verb that must be changed to a gerund.  Remember that a gerund might have its own object because it still has characteristics of a verb.  Capitalize the first letter of the sentence.
     
    1. an exciting adventure / around the world / travel / is
                                                                                                                                      
    2. can give / a musical instrument / play / us / a lot of pleasure
                                                                                                                                      
    3. requires / a lot of effort / in our career / advance
                                                                                                                                      
    4. text / might annoy / every few minutes / your friends / them
                                                                                                                                      
    5. is important / when you move / adjust / to a foreign country / your expectations
                                                                                                                                      
    6. after a hard week of work / with friends / helps / meet
                                                                                                                                      
    7. punish / usually increases / your pets / their bad behavior
                                                                                                                                      

     

    Answers show/hide
    1. Traveling around the world is an exciting adventure.
    2. Playing a musical instrument can give us a lot of pleasure.
    3. Advancing in our career requires a lot of effort.
    4. Texting your friends every few minutes might annoy them.
    5. Adjusting your expectations is important in moving to a foreign country.
    6. Meeting with friends helps after a hard week of work.
    7. Punishing your pets usually increases their bad behavior.

     

  3. Write your own sentences using the following gerunds as the subject of the sentence.
     
    1. Planning                                                                                                                                 
    2. Calculating                                                                                                                                 
    3. Taking care of                                                                                                                                 
    4. Dreaming of your future                                                                                                                                 
    5. (Your own Gerund)                                                                                                                                 

     
    Answers will vary.

2.4 The Negative Form of Gerunds

To make a negative of a gerund form, place ‘not’ before the gerund.

Examples

Positive: Coming late to work is often a reason why employees are dismissed.
Negative: Not coming to work on time is often a reason why employees are dismissed.

Positive: She likes finishing her assignments on time.
Negative: She hates not finishing her assignments on time.

Exercise

Transform the following positive sentences with gerunds to a negative form.
  1. Remembering to take out the trash was often a husband’s job in the United States.
                                                     (remember) to take out the trash results in overflowing trash bins.
  2. Completing a project brings a sense of accomplishment.
                                                     (complete) a project often brings a sense of failure.
  3. Sofie enjoys watching TV on a comfortable chair in the evening.
    Sofie enjoys                                                  (be) busy in the evening.
  4. Calling your friends on their birthdays is important if you want to continue the friendship.
                                                     (call) your friends on their birthdays can lead to hard feelings.

 

Answers show/hide
  1. Not remembering
  2. Not completing
  1. not being
  2. Not calling

2.5 Using Gerunds in Descriptions: Subject + Linking Verb + Gerund Modifier

The sentence pattern used to describe things is the Subject + Linking Verb + Modifier sentence.  Here, the modifier is a description or gives information about the subject of the sentence.  Since a modifier can be either a noun, adjective, adverb, or preposition phrase used as an adverb, a Gerund can be used in the place of a noun in this type of sentence.

Examples

Anita is a government official.  (noun)

Anita is intelligent.  (adjective)

Anita is here.  (adverb)

Anita is at the hospital.  (preposition phrase used as an adverb)

In this sentence pattern, the subject and the modifier can often be switched.

Example

[Isolating ourselves from] others was the hardest part of the pandemic.
The hardest part of the pandemic was [isolating ourselves from others].

Exercise

Reverse the underlined noun subject or object in the following sentences with the gerund that is currently serving as the subject or object of the sentences below.  The sentences all follow the Subject + Linking Verb + Modifier pattern that is used to describe something or to give information about the subject.

Example:
Answering my email at work is an ongoing battle.
An ongoing battle is answering my email at work.

 

  1. Watching King Kong destroy the city was the scariest part of the movie.
                                                                                                                                    
  2. Finding the matching twin of a sock pair in your laundry is a challenge on laundry day.
                                                                                                                                    
  3. Helping your parents when they get old is an important responsibility.
                                                                                                                                    
  4. A bad habit of mine is not remembering where I parked my car in the parking lot.
                                                                                                                                    
  5. Watching my dog chase its tail is something that makes me laugh.
                                                                                                                                    

 

Answers show/hide
  1. The scariest part of the movie was watching King Kong destroy the city.
  2. A challenge on laundry day is finding the matching twin of a sock pair in your laundry.
  3. An important responsibility is helping your parents when they get old.
  4. Not remembering where I parked my car in the parking lot is a bad habit of mine.
  5. Something that makes me laugh is watching my dog chase its tail.

2.6 Gerunds as the Object of a Preposition

Besides being used as the subject of a sentence or the object of a verb, gerunds can also be used as the object of a preposition: Several words are often followed by prepositions.  In each case, they can be followed by a Gerund.

  • Verb + Preposition + Gerund

    Example

    I will keep on working until I am finished my report.
  • Adjective + Preposition + Gerund

    Example

    Abdul was tired of cleaning his roommate’s dishes.
  • Noun + Of + Gerund

    Example

    There is a good chance of getting a promotion at work.
  • Infinitives after Prepositions?  *Remember that infinitives cannot be used after a preposition.  Only Gerunds can follow a preposition.

The following verbs, adjectives, and nouns followed by a preposition are known as ‘collocations’.

  1. This means that the following verbs, adjectives, and nouns can only be followed by the exact preposition listed in the table below.
  2. You cannot substitute another preposition, even if the alternate preposition has the same meaning as the original preposition, as given below.

Examples

Verb + Preposition + Gerund

argue about
care about
complain about
forget about
talk about
worry about
 
aim at
work at
 
look into
feel like
 
apologize for
blame for
care for
forgive for
make up for
thank for
use for
 
believe in
result in
 
come across as
 
admit to
confess to
look forward to
object to
 
specialize in
succeed in
believe in
result in
succeed in
 
approve of
dream of
hear of
take care of
think of
 
agree with
come up with
cope with
deal with
 
concentrate on
depend on
fall back on
go on
give up on
insist on
keep on
look back on
plan on
work on

 

Adjective + Preposition + Gerund

afraid of
aware of
capable of
incapable of
proud of
tired of
 
bad at
better at
effective at
good at
great at
successful at
upset at
 
concerned about
enthusiastic about
excited about
happy about
nervous about
serious about
sorry about
worried about
 
different from
evident from
exempt from
free from
obvious from
safe from
tired from
 
crucial in
effective in
important in
interested in
involved in
useful in
 
available for
crucial for
famous for
important for
necessary for
responsible for
sorry for
suitable for
useful for

 

Nouns + Of + Preposition + Gerund

advantage of
chance of
in charge of
cost of
danger of
effect of
experience of
form of
habit of
hope of
idea of
importance of
intention of
means of
method of
point of
possibility of
practice of
problem of
process of
prospect of
purpose of
result of
risk of
system of
task of
thought of
way of

Collocations are words that normally go together in a duo or a phrase.  In collocations, you can not substitute synonyms or any other word for a word.  For example, ‘passenger train’ cannot be replaced with ‘people train’—you must use the word ‘passenger’.  There are several collocations in English that make use of a preposition.  You cannot substitute one preposition with another, though some have two possibilities.  In a phrasal verb, substituting one preposition for another can change the meaning of the word.

Here are some possibilities:

Collocation Phrases that use a preposition followed by a gerund.

  • Verbs + (Preposition + Gerund) [two-word verbs/phrasal verbs]
  • Adjectives + (Preposition + Gerund)
  • Nouns + (Preposition + Gerund)

Exercises

  1. First, underline the verb, adjective or noun + preposition combinations in the following sentences.  Then, indicate whether each sentence has either a verb, adjective, or noun followed by a preposition.  Write ‘v’ for verb, ‘a’ for adjective, or ‘n’ for noun.
     
    1.         My roommate keeps on playing his music loudly in the evening.
    2.         There is a possibility of not finishing the project on time.
    3.         Jason always works at answering his emails by the end of the day.
    4.         I always take advantage of summer by going camping.
    5.         This company aims at selling 1000 pairs of shoes by the end of the month.
    6.         Maria always forgets about taking her umbrella when it’s raining.
    7.         I am concerned about the rising temperature of our oceans.
    8.         Freya is very effective at organizing her team to complete a task.
    9.         The process of applying for jobs can be discouraging.
    10.         Being aware of invading computer viruses is important for businesses.

     

    Answers show/hide
    1. v
      My roommate keeps on playing his music loudly in the evening.
    2. n
      There is a possibility of not finishing the project on time.
    3. v
      Jason always works at answering his emails by the end of the day.
    4. n
      I always take advantage of summer by going camping.
    5. v
      This company aims at selling 1000 pairs of shoes by the end of the month.
    6. v
      Maria always forgets about taking her umbrella when it’s raining.
    7. a
      I am concerned about the rising temperature of our oceans.
    8. a
      Freya is very effective at organizing her team to complete a task.
    9. n
      The process of applying for jobs can be discouraging.
    10. a
      Being aware of invading computer viruses is important for businesses.

     

  2. Make sentences by putting the following words or phrases in order.  Remember that could be either verbs, adjectives or nouns followed by a preposition.  Be sure to capitalize the first word in the sentence.
     
    1. not necessary for / in large cities with a good transit system / getting to / is / work / a car
                                                                                                                                      
    2. are / working as a Senior Manager / very different from / a middle manager / the responsibilities of
                                                                                                                                      
    3. very successful at / was / she / selling the products of her start-up company
                                                                                                                                      
    4. listening / had grown tired of / to her roommates’ complaints / she
                                                                                                                                      
    5. the day / I / when I pay off my car loan / look forward to
                                                                                                                                      

     

    Answers show/hide
    1. A car is not necessary for getting to work in large cities with a good transit system.
      OR
      In large cities with a good transit system, a car is not necessary for getting to work.
    2. The responsibilities of a middle manager are very different from working as a senior manager.
    3. She was very successful at selling the products of her start-up company.
    4. She had grown tired of listening to her roommates’ complaints.
    5. I look forward to the day when I pay off my car loan.

     

  3. Complete the following sentences using a gerund as the object of a preposition.  Answer the following questions using the same preposition combinations as the questions (i.e. verb + preposition, adjective + preposition, or noun + preposition combination).
     
    Example:
    What are you excited about?
    I am excited about graduation.
     
    1. What are you effective at?
                                                                                                                                      
    2. What are your habits?  What do you make a practice of?
                                                                                                                                      
    3. What are you concerned about?
                                                                                                                                      
    4. What do you admit to doing when no one is around?
                                                                                                                                      
    5. What exciting thing are you planning on doing in the next five years?
                                                                                                                                      

     
    Answers will vary.

3.0 Infinitives

3.1 Using Infinitives as the Subject of a Sentence or Clause

Infinitives as the Subject: Just as with gerunds, infinitives can be used as the subject of the sentence.

Examples

To become a doctor is my goal.

To win a marathon race has always been a goal of the runner.

To be organized is what will help you in your studies.

However, using an infinitive as the subject of a sentence has become less common.  It has come to be seen by many as being too formal.  Instead, we can use the following way of communicating the same idea:

  • ‘It’ + BE + Adjective + Infinitive + rest of idea

Examples

To communicate effectively is important at work.
It is important to communicate effectively at work.

It is necessary to guard against viruses on your computer.

It is common in some countries for students to stand up when the teacher enters the room.

Note: A participle can be used as the adjective in this formula.

Example

It is seen as being rude if you stand in front of train doors before departing riders have exited.

Exercises

  1. In the following paragraph, underline the infinitive that is used as the subject of the sentence.  Include infinitives used in the formula using ‘It’ + adjective + infinitive.  Be careful!  Not every infinitive in the following paragraphs is used as the subject of the sentence.  Some are used as the object of the verb.
     
    Communicating with someone from another country can be tricky.  It is common to make serious mistakes without knowing the communication styles of someone from another country.  For example, in the United States, people often interrupt what someone is saying by starting to talk before the other person is finished.  To do this is very rude in Japan.  It is important in Japan to let the other person completely finish what they’re going to say before you begin to speak.  Also in Japan, it is common for people to spend some time thinking before they answer a question.  It is necessary to give them time to do this.
     
    On the other hand, in the United States, you still should not interrupt someone in the middle of a sentence at the least, and you should really not interrupt them in the middle of what they want to say.  It is important to listen from a drop in tone at the end of a sentence, which indicates the end of the sentence.  In addition, it is possible to tell when a person is finished what they want to say, because their tone gradually drops over the entire last sentence that they are speaking.
     
    In the United States, it is necessary to show someone who is talking that you are actually actively listening.  To just sit passively while they are talking communicates that you are not interested in what they are saying.  Instead, it is important to nod your head and say something like ‘uh-huh’ while they are talking to show that you are listening.
     
    Answers show/hide

    Communicating with someone from another country can be tricky.  It is common to make serious mistakes without knowing the communication styles of someone from another country.  For example, in the United States, people often interrupt what someone is saying by starting to talk before the other person is finished.  To do this is very rude in Japan.  In Japan, it is important to let the other person completely finish what they’re saying before you begin to speak.  Also in Japan, it is common for people to spend some time thinking before they answer a question.  It is necessary to give them time to do this.

    On the other hand, in the United States, you still should not interrupt someone in the middle of a sentence at the least, and you should really not interrupt them in the middle of what they want to say.  It is important to listen from a drop in tone at the end of a sentence, which indicates the end of the sentence.  In addition, it is possible to tell when a person is finished what they want to say, because their tone gradually drops over the entire last sentence that they are speaking.

    In the United States, it is necessary to show someone who is talking that you are actually actively listening.  To just sit passively while they are talking communicates that you are not interested in what they are saying.  Instead, it is important to nod your head and say something like ‘uh-huh’ while they are talking to show [this is an infinitive of purpose] that you are listening.

     

  2. Use the following verbs in the word list and change them to infinitives.  Then, use them as the subject of the following sentences.
     
    Word list: drive, ride, graduate, give, have
     
    1.                                           a horse is a wonderful experience.
    2.                                           a car at the age of 15 is possible in some places.
    3. For some people,                                           a speech is worse than death.
    4. For some child prodigies,                                           from university at the age of 15 is possible.
    5.                                           good communication skills is important in our relationships.

     

    Answers show/hide
    1. To ride
    2. To drive
    3. to give
    4. to graduate
    5. To have

     

  3. Now, change the above sentences to sentences that use the ‘It’ + adjective + infinitive pattern instead of using an infinitive as the subject of the sentence.
     
    1.                                                                                                                                 
    2.                                                                                                                                 
    3.                                                                                                                                 
    4.                                                                                                                                 
    5.                                                                                                                                 

     

    Answers show/hide
    1. It is a wonderful experience to ride a horse.
    2. It is possible in some places to drive a car at the age of 15.
      OR
      In some places, it is possible to drive a car at the age of 15.
    3. For some people, it is worse than death to give a speech.
    4. For some child prodigies, it is possible to graduate from university at the age of 15.
    5. It is important to have good communication skills in our relationships.

3.2 Infinitives Used as the Object of a Verb

Just as gerunds can be used as the object of a verb, infinitives can also be used as the object of a verb.

Examples

Rama intends to become a helicopter mechanic.

Children often pretend to be a scary animal.

Emre expects to have a higher salary in the future.

Aoi offered to help me find an apartment.

Exercises

  1. Use infinitives as the object of a verb in the sentences below.  Change the verbs in the list below into an infinitive and use it to complete the sentences that follow.
     
    Word List: dive, let, guarantee, think, travel, die, be with, visit
     
    They were people who wanted (1)                                           to the bottom of the ocean to visit the Titanic, the ship that sank in 1912.  It might seem strange (2)                                           a place where the huge disaster of the Titanic took place, but in 2023, some adventurous people tried (3)                                           to the bottom of the ocean but met with failure when their submersible imploded.
     
    Maybe, in their minds, they liked (4)                                           that visiting the Titanic is sort of like paying respect to the people who died on the Titanic.  They might have hoped (5)                                           the people who died at the bottom of the lonely ocean.  To be fair, they had warned the people who went with them on the excursion that it could be dangerous.  They had never pretended (6)                                           complete safety.
     
    I am sure that the operators of the submersible didn’t intend (7)                                           on the day that they left for the bottom of the ocean.  They knew that the ocean at depths of close around 3800 meters (12,500 feet) could completely and instantly crush the submersible.  But they didn’t want (8)                                           fear stop them.
     
    Answers show/hide
    1. to travel
    2. to visit
    3. to dive
    4. to think
    5. to be with
    6. to guarantee
    7. to die
    8. to let

     

  2. Complete the sentences below by adding your own infinitives.  Then, share your sentences with a partner.
     
    1. I want to                                                                 .
    2. I intend to                                                                 .
    3. I don’t pretend to                                                                 .
    4. I refuse to                                                                 .
    5. In the past, I tried to                                                                 .

     
    Answers will vary.

3.3 Verb + Infinitive + Object of the Infinitive

The object of a verb is usually a noun.

Example

I gave water to my dog.

Infinitives also act as the object of a verb.  However, in addition to acting as the object of a verb, they themselves can also have their own object.

Example

I like to hit baseballs at the baseball field.
Verb + Infinitive + Object of the Infinitive
  • Notice here that the infinitive ‘to hit‘ has its own object—baseballs.

Exercises

  1. Recognize and then underline the objects of infinitives in the following paragraph.
    Note: Since an object is always a noun or noun phrase, and a gerund or infinitive used as the object can also take the place of a noun, the object of a gerund or infinitive could be another gerund or infinitive (example: I am enjoying playing the guitar).  There is one infinitive that is acting as the object of another infinitive in this paragraph.  Be sure to find the object of an infinitive that is itself an infinitive.
     
    Every soccer team in the world hopes to win the World Cup someday.  No one plans to lose the prize.  They practice for hours a day because they hope to hear the cheers of the crowd from their home country as they work to become heroes in the eyes of their fans.  They refuse to give up on their dreams.  They really try to avoid the disappointment of the children who idolize them, and they really don’t want to see their fellow countrymen riot in the streets after their team loses in the final match of the tournament.  They hope not to need to fake an injury just to achieve a victory.  So, they buck up and grit your teeth as they go through another practice in the rain.
     
    Answers show/hide

    Every soccer team in the world hopes to win the World Cup someday.  No one plans to lose the prize.  They practice for hours a day because they hope to hear the cheers of the crowd from their home country as they work to become heroes in the eyes of their fans.  They refuse to give up on their dreams.  They really try to avoid the disappointment of the children who idolize them, and they really don’t want to see their fellow countrymen riot in the streets after their team loses in the final match of the tournament.  They hope not to need to fake an injury just to achieve a victory.  So, they buck up and grit your teeth as they go through another practice in the rain.

     

  2. Insert the nouns from the word list into the sentences below to provide an object of the infinitive.
     
    Word List: a life, childhood, all of his wealth, fun, childhood diseases, his money
     
    Jon hopes to give (1)                                           to charity some day.  He tries to live (2)                                           of generosity.  He has always intended to use (3)                                           to cure (4)                                          .  This is because he wants children to have (5)                                           and to enjoy their (6)                                          .
     
    Answers show/hide
    1. all of his wealth
    2. a life
    3. his money
    4. childhood diseases
    5. fun
    6. childhood

     

  3. Complete the following exercise by adding an object following the infinitives in the sentence.
     
    1. Someday, I hope to get                                                                                                                                 .
    2. I hope to qualify for                                                                                                                                 .
    3. I intend to give                                                                                                                                 .
    4. I hope to travel to­­­­­­­                                                                                                                                .
    5. I refuse to call                                                                                                                                 .

     
    Answers will vary.

3.4 Adjectives Followed by Infinitives

Some adjectives can be followed by infinitives.  This is common in sentences that use an adjective as the subject instead of an infinitive as the subject.  Remember that participles (either active or passive) can serve as adjectives.

Examples

It is important to organize your desk before you begin to work.

It was surprising to hear that my brother was accepted into an elite university.  (active participle)

I was astonished to receive a scholarship for $10,000.

3.4.1 Common Adjectives Followed by Infinitives

happy to
fortunate to
content to

upset to
sorry to
disappointed to

determined to
willing to
prepared to
motivated to
anxious to
excited to

careful to
hesitant to
reluctant to
afraid to

astonished to
surprised to

unlikely to
likely to
certain to

embarrassed to
proud to
ashamed to

For a list of verbs followed by gerunds and infinitives, check appendix C.

Exercises

  1. Use the verbs from the word list below to fill in the blanks that follow adjectives, which can be in the participle form.  Note that adjectives such as sorry, sad, upset, excited and disappointed are frequently followed by infinitives such as to hear, to see, to learn, or to discover.
     
    Word List: spend, hear, see, die, come in last, not add, win
     
    1. She was determined                                                the chess game.
    2. You are very unlikely                                                in an airplane accident.  They are very rare.
    3. Evangeline was content                                                her time reading books.
    4. I was disappointed                                                that I could not get the apartment that I wanted.
    5. Jason was ashamed                                                in the race in his gym class.
    6. The accountant was careful                                                an extra zero into the long number.
    7. She was excited                                                her name on the list of people accepted into the program.

     

    Answers show/hide
    1. to win
    2. to die
    3. to spend
    4. to hear
    5. to come in last
    6. not to add
    7. to see

     

  2. Complete the following exercise by adding an infinitive following the adjectives in the sentence.
     
    1. I am content                                                                 .
    2. I am excited                                                                 .
    3. I am motivated                                                                 .
    4. I was surprised                                                                 .
    5. I am unlikely                                                                 

     
    Answers will vary.

3.5 Infinitive of Purpose: In Order To

The phrase ‘in order to’ is used as an infinitive that expresses purpose.  It tells the reason for an action.

Examples

He called in order to confirm that he could not come to the birthday party.

Aoi went to the market in order to buy some miso paste.

Philippe bought a huge bouquet of flowers in order to impress his girlfriend.

When expressing purpose, the words ‘in order’ can be omitted from the phrase ‘in order to’.

Examples (from above)

He called to confirm that he could not come to the birthday party.

Aoi went to the market to buy some miso paste.

Philippe bought a huge bouquet of flowers to impress his girlfriend.

Sometimes the order of the infinitive purpose is different in a sentence.  Because the infinitive of purpose acts as an adverb, just as a preposition phrase can be used as an adverb, it can be placed at the beginning of the sentence.

Example

William worked all night in order to get his paper in on time.
In order to get his paper in on time, William worked all night.

Exercises

  1. Use the following verbs from the word list to create infinitives in order to complete the sentences using an infinitive of purpose.
     
    Word List: get, reduce, get into, increase, achieve
     
    1. I tried to get a new job in order                                           my salary so that I could pay my bills.
    2. Mohammed contacted fifty former classmates in order                                           his sales targets.
    3. We all joined a health club in order                                           better physical condition.
    4. Companies sometimes reduce their number of employees in order                                           costs.
    5. The government has started to provide childcare in order                                           more women in the workforce.

     

    Answers show/hide
    1. to increase
    2. to achieve
    3. get into
    4. to reduce
    5. to get

     

  2. Complete the following sentences with your own phrase using ‘in order to’.
     
    1. I sometimes fix my own car in order to                                                                 .
    2. I went to the dentist in order to                                                                 .

     
    Answers will vary.
     

  3. Now, add ‘in order to’ + rest of sentence in the following:
     
    1. Vladimir read the newspaper                                                                 .
    2. Yasmin always rides a bicycle to work                                                                 .

     
    Answers will vary.
     

  4. Complete the following sentences with a verb phrase and a phrase using ‘in order to’.
     
    1. I always                       in order to                                                               .
    2. I never                       in order to                                                               .
    3. I                       every day in order to                                                               .

     
    Answers will vary.
     

  5. Next, write two sentences of your own sentences using ‘in order to’.  This time, omit the words ‘in order’ from the phrase ‘in order to’.
     
    1.                                                                                                                                 .
    2.                                                                                                                                 .

     
    Answers will vary.

3.6 Infinitives of Agency: Someone Causes Someone Else to Do Something

Infinitives of agency are used when someone causes someone else to do something.  The agent of the action is the person who causes someone else to do something.  There are different degrees of agency.  Someone may force someone to do something, or they may simply let them do something (give them permission).  There are certain verbs which are used to express agency.  Normally, when a verb has an action as its object rather than a noun, the action is expressed as a gerund or infinitive.  However, verbs of agency are followed by the base form of the verb instead.  In some ways, they function as modals.

Verbs of agency include: make, have, let, help and get.

  • We use these for talking about things that someone may cause, require, or permit another person (or animal, machine or object) to do.
  • Use make, have, and let + object + base form of the verb
  • The form of infinitives of agency is:
    • Person or situation causing someone to do something + verb of agency + intended doer of the action + base form of the verb
    • Here, the base form of the verb is used instead of the infinitive form

Example

My boss made [me] do the project again.
My boss made [me] to do the project again.
Subject + verb of agency + [doer of action] + base form of the verb + possible object

The bad weather made [me] feel depressed.

The instructor had [us] give a presentation in class.

My parents often let [me] stay out until 12:00 midnight on weekends.

The textbook was very good and it helped [me] understand algebra better.

Exercise

Use the following words and phrases, which are not in the correct order, to make sentences that use verbs of agency.   Be sure to use the correct form of the verb that follows the main verb + doer of the action.
 
  1. sick / made / the greasy food / feel / at the restaurant / me
                                                                                                                                    .
  2. had / dress up / the host / us / in a costume / of the party
                                                                                                                                    .
  3. me / my friend / his expensive new sports car / drive / let
                                                                                                                                    .
  4. helped / working with refugees / us / the futility* / of war / understand
                                                                                                                                    .

 
*futility = uselessness
 

Answers show/hide
  1. The greasy food at the restaurant made me feel sick.
  2. The host of the party had us dress up in a costume.
  3. My friend let me drive his expensive new sports car.
  4. Working with refugees helped us understand the futility of war.

3.7 Other Patterns Used with Infinitives

There are several patterns that can be used with verbs followed by infinitives.

Already covered:

  1. Infinitives as the Object of a Verb: Verb + Infinitive
  2. Adjective + Infinitive

Other Patterns:

  1. Verb + Object + Infinitive: This pattern is often used as a shortened form of an infinitive of purpose.

    Example

    I programmed this app in order to predict my calorie usage after I run a certain route on a map.
  2. Verb + Pronoun + Infinitive

    Example

    I want her to call me at noon.
  3. Preposition + Infinitive (not used): Unlike a gerund, an infinitive cannot be used as an object of a preposition.

    Example

    I want to keep on to study for my exam.  (here, there is a verb/preposition combination)
    I want to keep on studying for my exam.  (here, there is a verb/preposition combination)

Exercises

  1. Put the following words in the correct order to create a sentence that uses the Verb + Object + Infinitive pattern.
     
    1. to Miami / rented / Juan / a car / to travel
                                                                                                                                      .
    2. his credit card / for a new jacket Arturo / to pay / used
                                                                                                                                      .
    3. to text her parents / always borrows / Mina / her friend’s phone
                                                                                                                                      .
    4. Sanjay and his brother / to the football game / my car / to drive / borrowed
                                                                                                                                      .
    5. Anika / to create / a beautiful design / used / a new app
                                                                                                                                      .

     

    Answers show/hide
    1. Juan rented a car to travel to Miami.
    2. Arturo used his credit card to pay for a new jacket.
    3. Mina always borrows her friend’s phone to text her parents.
    4. Sanjay and his brother borrowed my car to drive to the football game.
    5. Anika used a new app to create a beautiful design.

     

  2. Put the following words in the correct order to create a sentence that uses the Verb + Pronoun + Infinitive pattern.
     
    1. to call / asked / I / my sister / her
                                                                                                                                      .
    2. me / to create / my supervisor / a report / told
                                                                                                                                      .
    3. instructed / us / to use / a new offensive strategy / the team leader
                                                                                                                                      .
    4. them / I / to be / very organized / find
                                                                                                                                      .
    5. Gita / a very nice birthday party / me / always gives
                                                                                                                                      .

     

    Answers show/hide
    1. I asked her to call my sister.
    2. My supervisor told me to create a report.
    3. The team leader instructed us to use a new offensive strategy.
    4. I find them to be very organized.
    5. Gita always gives me a very nice birthday party.

4.0 Using Gerunds and Infinitives for the Past, Present, and Future and for Realistic and Unrealistic Situations

4.1 When do I Use a Gerund and When do I Use an Infinitive?

Many people are confused by the difference between Gerunds and Infinitives.

  • It is obvious that they are written differently.
    • Gerund = ‘-ing’ form of the verb without the verb ‘BE’ (am walking)
    • Infinitive = ‘to’ + base form of the verb (to walk)
  • They are both used for the same purpose—to talk about actions rather than expressing action itself.
  • They can both be used to express action as nouns in a clause or sentence.

So, why are there two different forms for this?  When do we use Gerunds and when do we use Infinitives?

The difference is that:

  • Gerunds are used to speak about past or present actions and realistic situations.
  • Infinitives are used to talk about future actions or situations that are unrealistic or impossible.  They are often used to express future desires, plans, or wishes.

Examples

Examples of Verbs Followed by Gerunds:
  • Walking for exercise is good for your health.  (present)
  • I enjoyed meeting your family.  (past)

Examples of Verbs Followed by Infinitives:

  • I would like to work as a mechanic.  (desire)
  • I plan to graduate by spring.  (future plan)
  • I would like to build a house with a swimming pool on the moon.  (not possible)

4.2 Verbs Followed by Gerunds

Verbs that are followed by gerunds often express an action that is a part of a daily routine or habit, either past or present.  In any case, they are used to express action and are used for actions that happened in the past or that happen in the present.

Examples

admit
avoid
consider
delay
deny
discuss
enjoy
finish
keep
practice
quit
recommend

4.3 Verbs Followed by Infinitives

Verbs that are followed by infinitives express something in the future and often express something that is more of a hope or wish.  Some verbs followed by an infinitive, such as ‘hope’ or ‘plan’, are obviously for the future, and many can be implied to indicate an action in the future.

Examples

agree
aim
appear
arrange
decide
demand
expect
fail
hope
intend
learn
offer
plan
refuse
want

4.4 Verbs Followed by Either a Gerund or an Infinitive, With no Change in Meaning

Some verbs can be followed by either a Gerund or an Infinitive.  However, for some of these, the meaning changes depending on if you use a gerund or an infinitive after the verb.

Examples

begin
hate
like
continue
enjoy
prefer
start
try

Some gerunds or infinitives have a current action but with a continuing aspect to them.  In this case, you can usually use either a gerund or an infinitive.

Examples

You need to start your test now.  (you should start now, but you will obviously continue)

Starting your assignment now is a good idea.

Continue working on your project!  (you will work on it now, but it will continue into the future)

Study Tip

It is usually easier to tell when a verb is followed by an infinitive because the verb, such as ‘hope’ or ‘plan’, itself seems to suggest a future action.  Some verbs are followed by a Gerund, and it is usually hard to tell if it suggests a past or present action or if it suggests a future action.  Then, some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive.  There are fewer verbs followed by an infinitive, but there are many verbs that are followed by a Gerund and verbs that can be followed by either a Gerund or an Infinitive.  There are also verbs that can be followed by either a Gerund or an Infinitive but for which the meaning changes depending on which you use.

It would be a lot of work to memorize which verbs are followed by a Gerund, which are followed by an Infinitive, and which can be followed by either a Gerund or an Infinitive.  However, we can usually predict that certain words will be followed by an infinitive because the verb itself (e.g. hope) suggests a future action.

So, if you intend to memorize which verbs are followed by a Gerund and which by an Infinitive (or either a Gerund or an Infinitive), memorize the ones that are followed by an infinitive.  All the others we can assume can be followed by a gerund.  For the ones that can be followed by either a Gerund or an Infinitive, we can just choose to always use a gerund.  Then, if we memorize which verbs are followed by an infinitive, almost all other verbs* can be followed by a Gerund.

* However, we also do need to memorize the verbs that can be followed by either a Gerund or Infinitive but with a change in meaning depending on whether you use a Gerund or an Infinitive after the verb.

Exercises

  1. Without looking at charts of verbs that are followed by either a gerund or infinitive, try to predict whether or not the following verbs are followed by a Gerund or an Infinitive.  Put ‘g’ next to those that would likely be followed by a Gerund and put ‘i’ next to those that would likely be followed by an Infinitive.  All these verbs can be changed to either only a Gerund or an Infinitive.  None of them can be changed to either a Gerund OR an Infinitive.
     
    1.         enjoy
    2.         decide
    3.         expect
    4.         keep
    5.         quit
    6.         learn
    1.         plan
    2.         discuss
    3.         hope
    4.         finish
    5.         intend
    6.         practice
    1.         want
    2.         recommend
    3.         aim
    4.         avoid

     

    Answers show/hide
    1. g
    2. i
    3. i
    4. i
    5. g
    6. i
    1. i
    2. g
    3. i
    4. g
    5. i
    6. g
    1. i
    2. g
    3. i
    4. g

     

  2. Change the following verbs to either a gerund or an infinitive.  All these verbs can be changed to either a gerund or an infinitive.  A few of them can be changed to either a gerund OR an infinitive.  The verbs may be in the subject or object position in the sentence.
     
    When listing a series of infinitive-action nouns in parallel, remember that you do not need to repeat ‘to’, as follows: “I like to swim, hike, and play football.”
     
    It seems like (1)                       (be) an astronaut would be a rewarding and exciting career.  I enjoy (2)                       (explore) new things, so in the future I don’t expect (3)                       (have) a boring career.  I will never quit (4)                       (try) new things, and I never want (5)                       (avoid) things that are a challenge.  I will begin (6)                       (take) courses in science, aeronautics, and astrophysics.  I think that I would enjoy (7)                       (study) these things.  I aim (8)                       (travel) to space within 15 years at the maximum.
     
    I discussed (9)                       (follow) my dreams with my academic advisor, and he suggested (10)                       (decide on) what motivates me.  It may be difficult, but I just need (11)                       (keep on) going, (12)                       (continue) along my path, even if the going gets rough sometimes.  This will teach me (13)                       (quit, not) just because there are obstacles.  I have decided (14)                       (do) this.  My first step is (15)                       (learn) to fly an airplane.
     
    Answers show/hide
    1. being
    2. exploring
    3. to have
    4. trying
    5. to avoid
    6. taking
    7. studying
    8. to travel
    9. following
    10. deciding on
      OR
      to decide
    11. to keep on
    12. to continue
      OR
      continuing
    13. not to quit
    14. to do
    15. to learn
      OR
      learning

     

  3. Finish the following sentences using your own ideas.  Use either a gerund or an infinitive.
     
    1. I prefer                                                                 .
    2. Mateo quit                                                                 .
    3. Malik prefers                                                                 .
    4. My father expects                                                                 .
    5. I avoid                                                                 .
    6. Liam likes                                                                 .
    7. My mother recommends                                                                 .

     
    Answers will vary.
     

  4. Finish the following sentences using your own ideas.  Use a verb followed by a noun or pronoun plus a gerund or an infinitive.
     
    1. My mother often asked                                           to                                          .
    2. My friends expect                                           to                                          .
    3. My teacher always wanted                                           to                                          .
    4. My father expects                                           to                                          .
    5. My grandmother wanted                                           to                                           .

     
    Answers will vary.

4.5 Verbs Followed by Either Gerunds or Infinitives, but With a Change in Meaning

Some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive.  However, the following verbs have different meanings, depending on whether a gerund or an infinitive is used.

Table 7.2 Verbs Followed by Either Gerunds or Infinitives
Gerund Infinitive
Remember

When you use this verb followed by a gerund, it means that you have a memory of something that happened in the past.

Example

I remember going to the desert.

When an infinitive is used after this verb, it means that you remember something that needs to be done.

Example

I remembered to bring the key for my office.
Forget (This is the Same as ‘Don’t Remember’)

When you use this verb followed by a gerund, it means that you forget doing something that you actually did do.

Example

I forget calling my mother on her birthday.  I thought that I did, but maybe I didn’t.  I don’t remember calling her.

When an infinitive is used after this verb, it means that you do not remember something that you should or must do.

Example

Forgetting to turn off the water in the bathtub can cause a huge amount of water damage.
Try

When you use this verb, followed by a gerund, it means that you did something, but the effect was not expected.

Example

I tried studying more, but it didn’t help.

When an infinitive is used after this verb, it means that you attempted to do something, but it was not possible to do it.

Example

I tried to turn the key, but the lock was stuck.
Regret

When you use this verb, followed by a gerund, it means that you did something in the past, but now you wish that you didn’t do it.

Example

I regret yelling at my boss.  Now I may lose my job.

When an infinitive is used after this verb, it usually means that you are telling someone some bad news.

Example

I regret to tell you that you did not get the job that you interviewed for.
Start

When you use this verb, followed by a gerund, it means that someone is at the beginning of an action.

Example

I started studying at 3:00 p.m.

When an infinitive is used after this verb, it usually means that there is a purpose for the action.

Example

I started to study a week ago, so that I would not fail the exam.

Exercise

Write two sentences for each verb.  One sentence should use the verb followed by a gerund and the other sentence should use the verb followed by an infinitive.

  1. Remember
    1. Please remember (invite)                                           my friend Anne to the party.  It would be nice to see her again.
    2. I don’t remember (turn the stove off)                                           before I left the apartment.  Could you check to make sure it is off.
  2. Forget
    1. I forget/don’t remember ever (need)                                           money for food.
    2. I forgot (tell)                                           you, the basketball practice has been cancelled.
  3. Try
    1. If you can’t open a jar, try (use)                                           a rubber band around the lid to help you grip the lid.
    2. They really tried (start)                                           a new restaurant, but they couldn’t get enough customers.
  4. Regret
    1. We regret (inform)                                           you that your car’s engine needs replacing.
    2. I regret (not visit)                                           my friend when I was in her city.
  5. Start
    1. If he doesn’t start (practice)                                           now, he might not be ready to play in the concert.
    2. You should start (do)                                           the test now.

 

Answers show/hide
  1. Remember
    1. to invite
    2. turning the stove off
  2. Forget
    1. needing
    2. to tell
  3. Try
    1. using
    2. to start
  4. Regret
    1. to inform
    2. not visiting
  5. Start
    1. practicing
    2. to do

5.0 Transforming Nouns into Gerunds and Infinitives

In a research paper, paraphrasing is often used to shorten or clarify a known text.  As a strategy for paraphrasing, which is taking a text and putting it into your own words, you may substitute nouns for gerunds.

Example

A reduction in emissions is possible by the introduction of solar panels as a power source.

Reducing emissions is made possible by introducing solar panels as a power source.

Exercise (Difficult): Transforming Nouns into Gerunds and Infinitives

Read the paragraph below, which uses academic nouns and verbs that can be changed to Gerunds, Infinitives, or Infinitives of Purpose.  Change the following noun or verb forms to Gerunds, Infinitives and Infinitives of Purpose.

Note: Sometimes the spelling of a noun form is quite different than a gerund form.  In this case, first change the noun form to a verb form and then add ‘-ing’.

Communication skills with family and with significant people in our lives is important for the maintenance of those relationships.  These skills are important because they prevent misunderstanding and promote positive interactions.  This helps with the development of feelings of trust in our relationships with others, because it protects the vulnerabilities of others and contributes to a feeling of intimacy.  If you have good skills in communication, it also works for interpersonal relationships at work.

Having skills in (1)                                           (communication) with family and with significant people in our lives is important for (2)                                           (maintenance) those relationships.  These skills can help (3)                                           (prevent) misunderstanding and (4)                                           (promote) a positive way of (5)                                           (interaction).  This helps (6)                                           (development) feelings of trust in (7)                                           (relationship) to others.  It strengthens our ability (8)                                           (relationship) with others, because it serves (9)                                           (protect) the vulnerabilities of others and (10)                                           (contribute) to a feeling of intimacy.  (11)                                           (have) good skills in (12)                                           (communication) does the same for interpersonal relationships at work.

Answers show/hide
  1. communicating
  2. maintaining
  3. to prevent
  4. to promote
  5. interacting
  6. developing
  1. relating
  2. to relate
  3. to protect
  4. to contribute
  5. Having
  6. communicating

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English Grammar for Academic Purposes Copyright © 2025 by Randal Thiessen is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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