This document discusses the differences between gerunds and infinitives in English grammar. Gerunds are verb forms ending in "-ing" that can function as nouns, such as "singing" or "dancing." Infinitives are the basic form of a verb preceded by "to," such as "to sing" or "to dance." The document provides examples of when to use gerunds and infinitives after certain verbs and expressions. It also includes a quiz with sentences where the reader must identify whether the blank should be filled with a gerund or infinitive.

1. Gerunds and
Infinitives
NEF UNIT 5C

2. Complete the sentences
about jobs
• I can’t stand…
• I hate…
• I prefer…
• I enjoy….

3. Gerunds
Where the –ing form can be replaced in a
sentence by a noun it is a gerund.
Gerund Noun
He likes singing. He likes music.
Walking is good for you. Exercise is good for you.

4. Use gerunds…
After verbs connected with likes and dislikes:
like, dislike, enjoy, love, hate, can’t stand, look
forward to, avoid, miss etc.
Eg. I like dancing

5. Use gerunds…
After certain expressions:
It’s no use…, It’s not worth…, There’s no point…
Eg. It’s not worth buying.

6. Use gerunds…
When a verb follows a preposition it is
connected with:
I’m keen on travelling.
I’d be worried about taking a whole year off.

7. Use infinitives…
After verbs connected with plans and
decisions:
agree, arrange, decide, hope, manage, offer,
plan, prepare, promise, refuse
Eg. We plan to go to London

8. Use infinitives…
In the pattern:
Subject + be (pres. simp.) + adj. + inf
Eg. English is fun to learn.

9. Use infinitives…
To express purpose:
Eg. Why did you call him?
To arrange a meeting.

10. Gerund or Infinitive?
0. I enjoy bungee_____.
a.jumping
b.to jump

11. Gerund or Infinitive?
1. I look forward _______ from you.
a. to hearing
b. to hear

12. Gerund or Infinitive?
2. He stopped _______ to years ago.
a. to smoke
b. smoking

13. Gerund or Infinitive?
3. I rang her before _______ out.
a.going
b.go

14. Gerund or Infinitive?
4. I regret _______her about it now.
a. to tell
b. telling

15. Gerund or Infinitive?
5. It was Paul; I saw him _______ it.
a. to do
b. doing

16. Gerund or Infinitive?
6. Sorry _______ you, but I need some help.
a.disturbing
b.to disturb

17. Gerund or Infinitive?
7. I just can’t get used _______ in the city.
a. to living
b. to live

18. Gerund or Infinitive?
8. I want you _______ it soon.
a.finishing it
b.to finish it

19. Gerund or Infinitive?
9. She wanted me _______ it.
a.do
b.to do

20. Gerund or Infinitive?
10. The windows need _______.
a. to clean
b. cleaning