Gerunds and infinitives are essential components of the English language that often confuse learners. Both are verb forms that can function as nouns in a sentence, but they are used in different ways. Understanding when to use gerunds and infinitives can greatly improve your fluency in English.
Gerunds are verb forms ending in -ing that function as nouns. They are used to express actions as subjects, objects, or complements in a sentence. Infinitives, on the other hand, are the base form of a verb preceded by “to” (e.g., to eat, to run). They can also act as nouns, but they are used in a different context than gerunds.
Gerunds and Infinitives List PDF
1. Enjoy
2. Avoid
3. Like
4. Love
5. Hate
When using gerunds and infinitives, the choice often depends on the main verb in the sentence. Some verbs are followed by gerunds, while others are followed by infinitives. It is essential to memorize common verb patterns to use gerunds and infinitives correctly.
For example, some verbs are always followed by gerunds, such as “enjoy” and “avoid.” In contrast, verbs like “like” and “love” are typically followed by infinitives. Understanding these patterns can help you determine whether to use a gerund or an infinitive in a sentence.
Additionally, some verbs can be followed by both gerunds and infinitives with a change in meaning. For example, “stop” can be followed by a gerund to indicate the cessation of an action (e.g., She stopped smoking) or by an infinitive to express the purpose of stopping (e.g., She stopped to rest).
Overall, mastering gerunds and infinitives is essential for achieving proficiency in English. By familiarizing yourself with common verb patterns and practicing using gerunds and infinitives in various contexts, you can enhance your language skills and communicate more effectively in English.
With this gerunds and infinitives list PDF, you can easily reference common verbs that are followed by gerunds or infinitives. Practice using these verb patterns in your sentences to improve your understanding and fluency in English.