Understanding how to effectively use gerunds and infinitives in English can greatly improve your language skills. Gerunds are verb forms ending in -ing that function as nouns, while infinitives are the base form of a verb preceded by “to” that can also function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.
By practicing gerunds and infinitives, you can enhance your ability to express actions, intentions, and more in a clear and concise manner. Let’s explore some exercises to help you master the use of gerunds and infinitives in sentences.
Gerunds and Infinitives Practice
1. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb (gerund or infinitive):
a. I enjoy ________ (read) books in my free time.
b. She promised ________ (help) me with my homework.
c. They are considering ________ (buy) a new car.
2. Rewrite the following sentences using gerunds or infinitives:
a. She wants to go to the beach. -> She enjoys ________ to the beach.
b. He started playing the guitar when he was young. -> He began ________ the guitar when he was young.
3. Choose the correct option to complete the sentences:
a. I look forward ________ (meet / meeting) you next week.
b. They decided ________ (go / to go) on a trip to Europe this summer.
c. We discussed ________ (visit / visiting) the museum on Saturday.
4. Use gerunds or infinitives to express purpose in the following sentences:
a. I went to the store ________ some groceries.
b. She studied hard ________ her exams.
5. Complete the sentences with the appropriate gerund or infinitive:
a. He avoided ________ (answer) my question directly.
b. We need ________ (finish) this project by tomorrow.
Practicing with these exercises will help you become more proficient in using gerunds and infinitives in English. Remember to pay attention to the context of the sentence and the function of the verb form to ensure accurate usage. Keep practicing to improve your language skills and fluency!
Mastering gerunds and infinitives can be a challenging but rewarding aspect of learning English. By practicing regularly and incorporating them into your daily conversations and writing, you will become more confident in using these verb forms effectively. Keep up the practice and soon you’ll be able to use gerunds and infinitives with ease!