Gerunds and Infinitives

A gerund is the ing form of a verb that functions the same as a noun. In a nutshell, a word formed from a verb acting as a noun and ending in ing is a gerund.

Examples:

1. Swimming in the ocean has been Sharon’s passion since she was five years old
2. Let’s go dancing at the club tonight.
3. I delayed telling Jigme the bad news.
4. Pema decided that flying above the clouds was the most incredible experience she’d ever had.
5. Dorji avoided doing his math assignment because the World Cup was on.

An infinitive is a verb that can function as noun, adjective, or adverb. It is formed by using ‘to’ + the verb.

Any verb that is preceded by the word 'to' is an infinitive.

Here are some examples:

to love

to eat

to run

to believe

to follow

to laugh

to stare

to wonder

Examples of infinitives or infinitive phrases used as nouns:

1. I like to run. (functions as a direct object)
2. I wanted to cook dinner for my parents. (functions as a direct object)
3. To fly an airplane is a dream of mine. (functions as a subject)
4. I cannot believe you knew to put out sugar to attract ants! (functions as a direct object)

Examples of infinitives or infinitive phrases used as adjectives:

1. The theatre is the place to go. (tells us which place)
2. I have some jeans to wash. (tells us which jeans)
3. The singer to watch is Misty Terrace. (tells us which singer)
4. The kind of flowers to plant are Roses. (tells us which flowers)

Examples of infinitives or infinitive phrases used as adverbs:

1. To complete the math problem, you divide by x. (tells why to divide)
2. I bought paint to finish the picture for my mom. (tells why I bought paint)
3. To make the cookies, you must add the flour first. (tells why we add flour)

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Notes prepared/compiled by Madam Sonam Yuden, who is an English teacher in Changangkha Middle Secondary School, Thimphu Thromde. She is also a published author of Children's book in Bhutan.

Authorized usage for educational purposes only.