When it comes to learning English grammar, understanding the use of gerunds and infinitives can be quite challenging for many learners. Gerunds are verbs that act as nouns, while infinitives are the base form of a verb with “to” in front of it. Knowing when to use gerunds and infinitives correctly can greatly improve your language skills.
There are various exercises that can help you practice using gerunds and infinitives in different contexts. By practicing these exercises regularly, you can become more confident in using them correctly in your everyday speech and writing.
Exercises with Gerunds and Infinitives
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 (finish) ___________ her homework before going out.
c. He suggested (watch) ___________ a movie tonight.
2. Rewrite the following sentences using gerunds or infinitives:
a. I want to eat sushi. → I want ___________ sushi.
b. She hates studying for exams. → She hates ___________ for exams.
c. They plan to go hiking this weekend. → They plan ___________ hiking this weekend.
3. Choose the correct option (gerund or infinitive) to complete the sentence:
a. I prefer (swim/ swimming) in the ocean rather than the pool.
b. She decided (buy/ buying) a new car instead of fixing her old one.
c. They avoid (eat/ eating) fast food for health reasons.
4. Match the sentence halves to form correct sentences using gerunds and infinitives:
a. I need to practice more. 1. in the park.
b. She enjoys listening to music. 2. before going to bed.
c. He promised to help me with my homework. 3. to improve my skills.
By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding of how to use gerunds and infinitives effectively in your English communication. Remember that regular practice is key to mastering any language skill, so don’t be afraid to make mistakes and keep learning!