Understanding the difference between infinitives and gerunds can be challenging for English language learners. Both infinitives and gerunds are forms of verbs, but they are used in different ways in sentences. In this article, we will explore exercises that can help you practice using infinitives and gerunds correctly.
Infinitives are the base form of a verb with the word “to” in front of it (e.g. to swim, to eat, to play). Gerunds, on the other hand, are verbs ending in -ing that function as nouns in a sentence (e.g. swimming, eating, playing). Knowing when to use infinitives and gerunds is important for constructing grammatically correct sentences.
Infinitives vs Gerunds Exercises
1. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb (infinitive or gerund).
a. She enjoys (to read/reading) books in her free time.
b. I need (to buy/buying) some groceries at the store.
c. They decided (to go/going) to the beach for their vacation.
2. Rewrite the sentences using either an infinitive or a gerund.
a. He started to study for his exams. – He started studying for his exams.
b. She wants to travel around the world. – She wants traveling around the world.
c. They plan to visit the museum this weekend. – They plan visiting the museum this weekend.
3. Choose the correct option in the following sentences.
a. We enjoy (to cook/cooking) together in the kitchen.
b. She avoids (to make/making) eye contact when she’s nervous.
c. They love (to watch/watching) movies on Friday nights.
Practicing these exercises can help you become more familiar with using infinitives and gerunds correctly in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the context in which each form is used to ensure your sentences are clear and grammatically accurate.
In conclusion, mastering the use of infinitives and gerunds is essential for improving your English language skills. By regularly practicing exercises like the ones mentioned above, you can sharpen your understanding of when to use infinitives and gerunds in different situations. Keep practicing and soon you’ll be using infinitives and gerunds with confidence!