Gerunds and Infinitives - 1 (Adv)
Gerunds and infinitives can replace a noun in a sentence.
Gerund = the present participle (-ing) form of the verb, e.g., singing, dancing, running.
Infinitive = to + the base form of the verb, e.g., to sing, to dance, to run.
Whether you use a gerund or an infinitive depends on the main verb in the sentence.
I expect to have the results of the operation soon. (Infinitive)
I anticipate having the research completed eventually. (Gerund)
Gerunds can be used after certain verbs including enjoy, fancy, discuss, dislike, finish, mind, suggest,
recommend, keep, and avoid.
1. After prepositions of place and time.
I made dinner before getting home.
He looked unhappy after seeing his work schedule.
2. To replace the subject or object of a sentence
Lachlan likes eating coconut oil.
Jumping off a cliff is dangerous, but a real thrill.
Infinitives can be used after certain verbs including agree, ask, decide, help, plan, hope, learn, want,
would like, and promise.
1. After many adjectives:
It is hard to make dinner this late.
I find it difficult to describe my feelings about writing research essays.
2. To show purpose:
I left for Russia to study Russian.
I came to the office to solve the mystery of the missing keys.
Gerund or Infinitive – Fill in the correct form.
1. They are likely __________________ up at any time. (show)
2. The man denied __________________ the crime. (commit)
3. Their memories of __________________ in Africa will stay with them forever. (travel)
4. He has always been afraid of __________________. (fly)
5. __________________ is good for your health. (swim)
6. Would you mind __________________ me the sugar. (pass)
7. She promised __________________ the report as soon as possible. (read)
8. I had a hard time __________________ the situation to my husband. (explain)
9. She had some problems __________________ without glasses. (read)
10. Paul gave up __________________ five years ago. (smoke)
11. What about __________________ to the zoo tomorrow? (go)
12. Barca __________________ in winning the Spanish championship. (succeed)
13. They had fun __________________. (ski)
14. My friend was happy __________________ me at the party. (see)
15. He was ashamed __________________ that he had lied. (admit)
16. It was very kind of you __________________ me. (help)
17. She always wastes her time __________________ bad books. (read)
18. We had no problem __________________ from the airport to the train station. (drive)
19. She hadn’t expected this task __________________ so difficult. (be)
20. It’s no use __________________ a taxi. We’ll be late anyway. (take)
21. Don’t forget __________________ the document as soon as you are finished. (sign)
22. She made me __________________ like a real man. (feel)
23. __________________ video games all the time is very boring. (play)
24. She is fond of __________________ comics. (read)
25. Alvaro admitted __________________ during the English test. (cheat)
26. The teacher reminded us __________________ irregular verbs. (learn)
27. The boy refused __________________ what his mother said. (do)
28. Brenda really hates __________________. (study)
29. I used __________________ basketball during my college years. (play)
30. How long does it take you __________________ to the university? (walk)
