9.3 GRAMMAR: Using Gerunds and Infinitives
Academic writing often involves the discussion of big ideas. These concepts often have their roots in actions. In order to use actions as subjects or objects, however, requires writers to use either gerunds or infinitives. These are forms of verbs that work as subjects and objects. It’s the idea of the action in noun form. This may sound strange, but it’s very useful in academic writing.
Gerunds
The gerund looks exactly the same as a present participle (ending in -ing), but it works like a noun.
The gerund can be used in many ways: subject, object, subject complement, object complement, object of a preposition, and object of a possessive. For example
- Exercising every day will help you stay happy and healthy. (subject)
- She loves reading texts from her friends. (object)
- My favorite exercise is biking. (subject complement)
- Mr. Martinez heard the students talking in the hall before class. (object complement)
- I want your suggestions for raising my grade in this class. (object of a preposition)
- There is no time for your excessive worrying. (object of a possessive)
NOTE: Some verbs can be followed only by gerunds. Some verbs can be followed only by infinitives. Some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive. There is no easy rule to learn these; you just need to memorize them. To learn more, this website has a list of these kinds of verbs.
Watch this short video to learn more about six ways to use gerunds:
Practice
Now practice with this exercise; it is not graded, and you may repeat it as many times as you wish:
Infinitives
The infinitive is the base form of a verb. It is formed by combining “to” plus the base form of the verb. For example:
- I want to eat more pizza.
- He warned me not to arrive late.
The infinitive can work like a noun. It can be used in many ways: subject, object, subject complements — even adjectives and adverbs! For example:
- To be a kinder person is my resolution for the New Year. (subject)
- He asked me to go for a jog in the park. (object)
- The purpose of this class is to communicate better in writing. (subject complement)
- Mississippi Avenue is the place to go if you like live local music. (adjective)
- I bought a thesaurus to learn new words in my second language. (adverb)
Watch this short video to learn more:
NOTE: Some verbs can be followed only by gerunds. Some verbs can be followed only by infinitives. Some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive. There is no easy rule to learn these; you just need to memorize them. Click on this link to read more: https://www.engvid.com/english-resource/verbs-followed-by-gerunds-and-infinitives/
Practice
Now practice with this exercise; it is not graded, and you may repeat it as many times as you wish:
QUIZ
Change the word in parentheses to either a gerund or infinitive form, depending upon the sentence.
- He forgot (lock) __________________ the door, and someone broke in.
- I have to stop (take) __________________ this class because my schedule changed.
- I avoid (exercise) __________________ whenever I can.
- The teacher reminded us (look) __________________ at our notes before the test.
- I never remember (dream) __________________ at night when I sleep.
- My boss is planning on (give) __________________ me a raise.
- Eric agreed (meet) __________________ us for dinner at seven tonight.
- My father-in-lay insisted on (buy) __________________ the dinner.
- I really miss (go) __________________ to my grandmother’s.
- They warned us (read) __________________ the instructions before using the machine.
Optional: Where to get more information
If you want more instruction and examples about the gerunds and infinitives, try these links:
Videos from: EngVid. “English Grammar – 5 Ways to Use Infinitives.” www.youtube.com, 11 Nov. 2014, www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZTikQEt0Z8. Accessed 30 Dec. 2021. “Learn English Grammar: 6 Ways to Use Gerunds.” www.youtube.com, 17 Oct. 2013, www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhwGtNzdDmc. Accessed 30 Dec. 2021.
