Using verb forms as subjects when functioning as the subject of a sentence, gerunds and infinitives always use a singular verb. Page 1 of 3 gerunds and infinitives doing what noun phrases do. Gerunds and infinitives are a part of english grammar that many english learners find challenging. Both a gerund and a present participle come from a verb, and both end in ing. What is the difference between a gerund and a present participle. What is a gerund grammar, meaning, usage with examples.
You will find the following guidelines for gerundinfinitive usage helpful. This is mainly because verbal nouns do not possess properties of verbs. Throughout my years of teaching esl, i have seen many students struggle with gerunds. Both gerunds and infinitives can be the subject of a sentence writing in english is difficult. They require a preposition followed by a gerund ing form. Exercise 3 in pdf here choose the gerund or infinitive for a list of twenty verbs. You can use a gerund or an infinitive as the object of a verb. Gerund and infinitive exercises perfect english grammar. Sometimes, however, native english speakers do not follow these differences consistently, and this is partly responsible for the confusion that so many. In such expressions, use a gerund, not an infinitive, after. Lets make sure we are clear on what the difference between a gerund and the infinitive form of a verb is.
Infinitive and gerund infinitive after an adjective example. Thats 4,036 pages filled with thousands of practical activities and. Esl conversation questions gerunds and infinitives. Sep 26, 2014 certain words cannot be used with an infinitive. It is often difficult to know when to use a gerund and when to use an infinitive. A gerund is a form of a verb used as a noun, whereas a participle is a form of verb used as an adjective or as a verb in conjunction with an auxiliary verb.
If students are able to identify the gerund, infinitive and progressive tense in a sentence, they should also be able to identify and correct. These verbs can be followed by either the gerund or the infinitive with a change in meaning. Gerund and infinitive are parts of grammar that are very confusing for the students because of their similarities. Following are some lists of the most common combinations. In the english language, some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive with little or no change in meaning. Gerund and infinitive pdf worksheets english vocabulary. Related products verbal phrases gerund, participial, infinitive task cards verbal phrases gerund, participial, infinitive task. Gerunds and infinitives verb followed by infinitive or by object. Words with a different meaning word infinitive meaning gerund meaning forget remember. Gerund or infinitive exercise 2 answers 1 we arranged to meet under the station clock at half nine. How can we tell whether to use an infinitive or an ing form.
Then as a class or in groups discuss the slight to substantial differences in meaning the sentences have. However, the main difference between gerund and verbal noun is that a gerund can take an object whereas a verbal noun cannot. Because they look the same, it can be difficult to tell the difference between a gerund and a participle. Exercise 2 in pdf here choose the gerund or infinitive for a list of twenty verbs.
The infinitive can be used as the object of a verb. If there is an object that you use, you can describe it using both a gerund as well as an infinitive. Verbals and verbal phrases which include gerund, participle, and infinitive have many complex angles. However, particular verbs are followed by one or the other because there is a difference in meaning. When you master how a gerund is used in a sentence, it will become easier for you to differentiate it from the present participle form of a verb. Nevertheless it is easy to find out whether it is a gerund or a progressive form.
This coloring sheet will allow students to practice identification and then color by grammar. Difference between gerund and infinitive compare the. Gerunds and infinitives lets read the following passage, then underine the verbs that end in ing and those with to important decisions or be anyones boss. The complement of an infinitive verb will often be its direct object, and the modifier will often be an adverb. The problem is that some verbs are followed not by an infinitive but by a gerund ing form. As we saw in the verbs lesson, the infinitive is formed using the preposition to to walk, to eat, etc.
Infinitive phrases normally referred to as infinitives are formed with the word to in. This is a challenging activity and should only be done with advanced students. Gerunds and infinitives some important rules the form of the verb that ends in ing is called a gerund when used as a noun. Exercise 1 in pdf here choose the gerund or infinitive for a list of twenty verbs. When a verb is used as a noun, it is called a gerund. You can give the class pairs of sentences where one sentence uses a gerund and the other uses the infinitive.
The main difference between infinitive and gerund is, the infinitive often takes the base form of a verb while the gerund is a verb in its ing form. Verbs followed by gerunds and infinitives infinitives and gerunds1 often occur after verbs. In this post, i will help you understand when to use a gerund or infinitive to describe the purpose of someone or something in english, both gerunds and infinitives can be used to talk about the reason why we use or do something lets begin with an example. Since a gerund often acts as a noun, it takes the place of a noun in a sentence as well, namely as subject, direct object, subject complement, subject of. In the above examples, combing is an example of a gerund as it is a verb that acts as a noun in the sentence. Its purpose is to work as a noun despite being a verb. Everything needed to differentiate grammar lesson plans is in the complete grammar curriculum. Mar 12, 2017 difference between gerund and participle nonfinite verbs types of verbs. After the main verb, both gerunds and infinitives can be used. Word infinitive with an object gerund without an object advise i advise you to go by bus. Difference between gerund and participle nonfinite. The gerund is formed using the ending ing walking, eating, etc. Infinitive phrases normally referred to as infinitives are formed with the word to in front of a verb. But still since i want to understand exactly why and how we are using an infinitiveing thus following questions, please helpjust verify.
Defining a rule for the use of infinitive and gerund. At first glance, it may seem difficult to know when to use an infinitive and when to use a gerund. So, a gerund is still a verb, but the phrase built around it is nominal, not verbal. As you know, gerunds are verbs that end with ing an act as nouns in sentences. Gerund or infinitive exercise 1 answers 1 i cant stand waiting in queues. Difference between gerund and participle nonfinite verbs types of verbs. Some systematic organizing principles have been attempted, but they are complicated and full of exceptions. Using verb forms as subjects when functioning as the subject of a sentence, gerunds and infinitives always use a. But still since i want to understand exactly why and how we are using an infinitive.
Verbals gerunds, participles, infinitives worksheets. Get all of our questions, plus many more, in an easy to access format. In order to save yourself from committing grammatical mistakes, it is better to get to know the difference between gerunds and infinitives, and how to properly use them in your sentences. An infinitive phrase is the infinitive form of a verb plus any complements and modifiers. Though, that to can easily be replaced with a conjugated auxiliary or helping verb to shower, to eat, and to live are infinitives showering, eating, and living are the respective gerunds. Page 3 of 3 gerunds and infinitives doing what noun phrases do using these six sentences, write a paragraph using either a gerund or an infinitive where appropriate. Sir you have explained before that there is no need to differentiate if nonfinite is working as modifier or a noun, we just need to figure out correct use of infinitive infinitive phrase vs ing phrase. Gerund and infinitive worksheets are in pdf format and consist of a worksheet and answer sheet to check your results. Jul 25, 2018 participles and gerunds are both formed from a verb with the suffix ing. Buy today and have access to updates for all grammar products, for life. A gerund can be made by simply adding ing to a verb. Gerunds, participles, and infinitives are verbals a difficult concept for students to understand, identify, and use in writing. Page 1 of 3 gerunds and infinitives doing what noun.
Apr 15, 2012 gerund or infinitive grammar exercise. Gerunds are best for use in sentences about actions that are real or. Forget with the infinitive means something happens at or after a certain time. Therefore, you should be able to know how and when it is most effective to use a gerund or infinitive in your sentence. The gerund and the infinitive are forms of verbs that act as nouns. Try doing make an experiment to find out if a new method is helpful to lose weight he tried jogging. Jan 01, 2018 when a verb is used as a noun, it is called a gerund. April 15, 2012 some verbs are followed by infinitives while others are followed by gerunds. As a bonus, ive included 20 additional sentences in a worksheet format. Sometimes either the gerund or the infinitive form can be used, either with the same or different meanings, and sometimes there is only one form which is correct. Common verbs followed by the gerund perfect english grammar.
September 26, 2014 certain words cannot be used with an infinitive. What is the difference between a gerund and a present. Gi003 gerund or infinitive fill in the correct form intermediate. Exercise 4 in pdf here choose a gerund or infinitive. Common verbs followed by the gerund perfect english. Gerunds may be used as a noun, and therefore, they act like any other. A gerund is a verb in its ing present participle form that functions as a noun that names an activity rather than a person or thing. Difference between gerund and verbal noun learn english. There are also some verbs that are followed by both gerunds and infinitives. In this article, we are going to explain the use and role of infinitive and gerund. English practice downloadable pdf grammar and vocabulary worksheets adjective and adverbs downloadable pdf worksheets for english language learners intermediate level b1 home b1 grammar gerund and infinitive.
How to teach gerunds and infinitives to esl students. What is something you have a hard time remembering. Mar 29, 2017 in the english language, some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive with little or no change in meaning. Gerunds and infinitives are used in the same places. Sir you have explained before that there is no need to differentiate if nonfinite is working as modifier or a noun, we just need to figure out correct use of infinitiveinfinitive phrase vs ing phrase. Identify and differentiate between participle and gerund with examples and exercise. Complete the following sentences using the appropriate verb form. Aug 11, 2016 however, the main difference between gerund and verbal noun is that a gerund can take an object whereas a verbal noun cannot. Gerunds and infinitives doing what noun phrases do using these six sentences, write a paragraph using either a gerund or an infinitive where.
Knowing the difference between gerund and infinitive can save you from making costly grammar mistakes when writing. Oct 21, 2015 many english learners find it difficult to choose between the use of infinitive and gerund. Regret with the infinitive is used to give bad news in a formal, polite way. Gerund vs infinitive verbs followed by the infinitive or the gerund. Inside our huge company, i liked working gerunds the form of the verb that ends in ing is called a gerund when used as a noun. Gerunds or verbal nouns take the same form as the present participle ving but their function is quite different. When they are used with an infinitive they refer to something that happens at or after a certain time. In english, the present participle has the same form as the gerund, and the difference is in how they are used. How to explain the difference between gerund and infinitive. How to teach gerunds and infinitives to esl students without confusing them. This resource is a spinner that provides students with basic notes about each type of.
Jan 12, 2016 what is the difference between a gerund and a present participle. What is a verbal noun grammar, meaning, usage with. What is the difference between gerund and infinitive. Participles and gerunds are both formed from a verb with the suffix ing. What is the difference between a gerund and a participle. Students often have a difficult time knowing when to use gerunds and infinitives. Difference between gerund and infinitive simply explained. Gerund is a verbal that is made from a verb by adding ing. Gerund or infinitive fill in the correct form gi 2. The main verb in the sentence determines whether you use a gerund or an infinitive. A sentence using a gerund can be converted in a sentence that uses an infinitive and vice versa. Some verbs can take both gerunds and infinitives, with only a slight difference in the meaning as explained in part i above.
A gerund acts like a noun while a present participle acts like a verb or adjective. Difference between gerund and participle nonfinite verbs. In a nutshell, a word formed from a verb acting as a noun and ending in ing is a gerund. Because their function is that of a noun, gerunds may be used as the subject of a sentence. Whats the difference between a gerund and a participle. Both have similarities in the sense that they can be used to describe a reason or a purpose. There are several differences between gerunds and infinitives and how they are used in english. Verbs followed by gerunds and infinitives complete these sixteen sentences to score your knowledge of gerunds and infinitives. Even at the intermediate level, this is typically not covered extensively and lesson plans instead focus on very specific structures such as. Try to do make an attempt make an effort many people try to lead a healthy lifestyle.