Gerunds & Infinitives

= verb (action)
= noun function (sentence position)

Gerunds

Verb + ing
examples: reading, singing, walking

examples: reading, singing, walking

Infinitives

To + verb

examples: to eat, to sleep, to study

Sentence Patterns

Subject + verb + object

Subject: noun, gerunds, infinitives
Object: noun, gerunds, infinitives

example: Snowboarding is her favorite sport.

Rules:

Gerunds

Verb + gerund

Subject = gerund

Preposition + gerund

Infinitives

Verb + infinitive

Adjective + infinitive

Noun / pronoun + infinitive

Verb + gerund or infinitive

  • consider
  • discuss
  • enjoy
  • finish
  • keep
  • practice
  • quite
  • recommend
  • suggest

examples:
They discussed having a party this weekend.
He keeps forgetting to text me.

Gardening is favorite hobby.
Meeting new people isn't always easy.

  • agree
  • decide
  • hope
  • learn
  • need
  • offer
  • plan
    -promise
  • want

example:
She decided to apply for a new job.
They offered to help her move.

I was sad to see my test score.
Is it difficult to make a cake?

  • begin
  • continue
  • hate
  • like
  • love
  • prefer
  • start

example:
I like listening to music. / I like to listen to music.
Let's continue talking about this. / Let's continue to talk about this.

I thought about taking piano lessons.
Did you play on calling me back.

The librarian told the students to be quiet.
We asked them to go to the beach with us.