Gerunds and infinitives are two types of verb forms that are commonly used in English grammar. Understanding when to use each can be a bit tricky, but with practice, you can improve your skills. In this exercise, we will focus on practicing using gerunds and infinitives in sentences.
Gerunds are verb forms that end in -ing and function as nouns in a sentence. They are used to talk about actions, experiences, and feelings. Infinitives, on the other hand, are the base form of a verb with the word “to” in front of it (e.g. to run, to eat). They can be used as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.
Exercise 1: Gerunds and Infinitives
1. I enjoy playing basketball in my free time.
2. She promised to clean her room before the guests arrive.
3. They avoid eating fast food as much as possible.
4. He offered to help with the project, but I declined.
5. We are considering going on a vacation next month.
Practice using gerunds and infinitives by completing the exercise above. Pay attention to the verbs and decide whether they should be followed by a gerund or an infinitive. This will help you become more comfortable with using these verb forms in your own writing and speaking.
Remember that there are no strict rules for when to use gerunds or infinitives, so it’s important to pay attention to common usage and practice as much as possible. With time and effort, you will become more confident in your ability to choose the correct form in different contexts.
Keep practicing with exercises like this one to improve your understanding of gerunds and infinitives. The more you practice, the more natural it will feel to use these verb forms correctly in your everyday communication. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, as they are a natural part of the learning process.
In conclusion, gerunds and infinitives are important verb forms in English grammar that can add variety and depth to your writing and speaking. By practicing exercises like this one, you can improve your skills and become more confident in using gerunds and infinitives effectively. Keep practicing and don’t give up!