Understanding the difference between gerunds and infinitives can be a challenging aspect of learning English grammar. Gerunds are formed by adding -ing to a verb and function as nouns, while infinitives are the base form of a verb preceded by ‘to’ and can act as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. Practicing exercises that involve gerunds and infinitives can help reinforce your knowledge and improve your usage of these forms in sentences.
It is important to remember that gerunds are used as subjects, objects, or complements in a sentence, while infinitives can be used as subjects, objects, or modifiers. By practicing exercises that focus on these distinctions, you can become more confident in your ability to use gerunds and infinitives correctly in various contexts.
Exercises of Gerunds and Infinitives
One exercise you can try is to fill in the blanks with either a gerund or infinitive form of the verb provided. For example:
1. She enjoys (read) ______ books in her free time.
2. I need (study) ______ for my exam tomorrow.
3. They are considering (move) ______ to a new city for better job opportunities.
4. He admitted (break) ______ the vase by accident.
5. We decided (go) ______ to the beach this weekend.
Another exercise is to rewrite sentences using either a gerund or infinitive form, depending on the context. For instance:
1. I enjoy swimming in the pool. (Rewrite using infinitive: I enjoy to swim in the pool.)
2. She stopped talking when he entered the room. (Rewrite using gerund: She stopped talking when he entered the room.)
3. They plan to go hiking in the mountains next week. (Rewrite using gerund: They plan going hiking in the mountains next week.)
By practicing these exercises regularly, you can enhance your understanding of how gerunds and infinitives are used in English grammar. Remember to pay attention to the context and the role of each form in a sentence to ensure accurate usage.
In conclusion, exercises focusing on gerunds and infinitives can be valuable tools in improving your grammar skills and language proficiency. By engaging in practice activities that involve these forms, you can strengthen your ability to use gerunds and infinitives effectively in your writing and conversation.