Gerunds and infinitives are two types of verb forms that can be quite confusing for English language learners. Both gerunds and infinitives can act as nouns in a sentence, but they are used in different ways. It’s important to understand the differences between these two forms in order to use them correctly in your writing and speaking.
Gerunds are formed by adding “-ing” to the base form of a verb. They are used as nouns in a sentence and can function as subjects, objects, or complements. For example, in the sentence “Swimming is my favorite hobby,” “swimming” is a gerund acting as the subject of the sentence. Infinitives, on the other hand, are the base form of a verb preceded by “to.” They can also function as nouns, but they are used in different contexts than gerunds.
Gerunds and Infinitives Worksheet
One way to practice using gerunds and infinitives correctly is by completing a worksheet that provides examples and exercises. Here are some sample questions you might find on a gerunds and infinitives worksheet:
1. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb (gerund or infinitive):
– I enjoy _________ (read) books in my free time.
– She promised _________ (help) me with my homework.
– He suggested _________ (go) to the movies tonight.
2. Rewrite the sentences using either a gerund or infinitive form:
– She stopped to talk to her friend.
She stopped _________ to her friend.
– I love singing in the shower.
I love _________ in the shower.
3. Choose the correct option to complete the sentence:
– I’m looking forward to _________ (meet / meeting) my new coworkers.
– He decided _________ (take / taking) a vacation next month.
– She prefers _________ (walk / walking) to work instead of taking the bus.
By completing exercises like these on a gerunds and infinitives worksheet, you can improve your understanding of how to use these verb forms correctly in various contexts. Practice is key to mastering the use of gerunds and infinitives in English, so don’t be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them.
In conclusion, gerunds and infinitives are important aspects of English grammar that can be challenging to master. By using a gerunds and infinitives worksheet to practice and reinforce your understanding of these verb forms, you can improve your language skills and become more confident in your communication. Keep practicing and don’t hesitate to seek additional help or resources if you need further clarification on how to use gerunds and infinitives effectively in your writing and speaking.