This document defines and provides basic rules for gerunds and infinitive verbs. It explains that gerunds are verb forms ending in "-ing" that function as nouns, while infinitives are verbs preceded by "to." Whether a verb takes a gerund or infinitive complement depends on the main verb. The document provides examples of verbs that take gerunds or infinitives and the different meanings those constructions can carry. It concludes with exercises for practicing gerund and infinitive use.

1. GERUNS AND INFINITIVE VERBS
Definitions and basic rules. By: Aurismary Rodríguez

2. DEFINITIONS
 Gerunds and infinitives are sometimes referred to
as verb complements.They may function as subjects
or objects in a sentence.
 A gerund is a noun made from a verb by adding "-
ing."
 Infinitives are the "to" form of the verb.
 Gerunds are often used when actions are real, fixed,
or completed. "I enjoy cooking."
 Infinitives are often used when actions
are unreal, abstract, or future: "He wants to swim."

3. WHAT´S THE DIFFERENCE?
 It can be tricky to remember which verbs
are followed by
 the infinitive (the to form) of the verb TO
PLAY
 and which are followed by the gerund (the
ing form) of the verb PLAYING

4. SOME RULES
 Gerunds and infinitives can replace a noun in a
sentence.
 Gerund = the present participle (-ing) form of the
verb, e.g., singing, dancing, running.
 Infinitive = to + the base form of the verb, e.g., to
sing, to dance, to run.
 Whether you use a gerund or an infinitive depends
on the main verb in the sentence.
 I expect to have the results of the operation soon.
(Infinitive)
 I anticipate having the research completed
eventually. (Gerund)

5. GERUND USE
 Gerunds can be used after certain verbs
including enjoy, fancy, discuss, dislike, finish,
mind, suggest, recommend, keep, and avoid.
 After prepositions of place and time.
I made dinner before getting home.
He looked unhappy after seeing his work
schedule.
 To replace the subject or object of a sentence
Lachlan likes eating coconut oil.
Jumping off a cliff is dangerous, but a real thrill.

6. INFINITIVE USE
 Infinitives can be used after certain verbs
including agree, ask, decide, help, plan, hope,
learn, want, would like, and promise.
 After many adjectives:
It is hard to make dinner this late.
I find it difficult to describe my feelings about
writing research essays.
 To show purpose:
I left for Russia to study Russian.
I came to the office to solve the mystery of the
missing keys.

7. SOME EXAMPLES
 Gerunds can appear at the beginning of a
sentence when used as a subject:
 Jogging is a hobby of mine.
 Gerunds can act as an object following the
verb:
 Daniel quit smoking a year ago.
 Gerunds can serve as an object after a
preposition:
 I look forward to helping you paint the house.

8.  Some verbs and verb phrases are directly followed a
gerund:
 Paul avoids using chemicals on the vegetables he
grows.
 Some verbs can be followed by a gerund or an
infinitive without causing a change in meaning:
 Some people prefer getting up early in the morning.
 Some people prefer to get up early in the morning
 Some verbs can be followed by a gerund or infinitive
but with a change in meaning:
 He remembered sending the fax. (He remembered
the act of send the fax)
 He remembered to send the fax. (He remembered
the fax and sent it.)

9.  Infinitives can be used as:
 an object following the verb:
 Jim always forgets to eat
 a subject at the beginning of a sentence:
 To travel around the world requires a lot of time
and money.
 an adverb modifying a verb:
 You promised to buy me a diamond ring.
 an adjective modifying a noun:
 Tara has the ability to succeed.
 Some verbs are directly followed by an infinitive:
 Do you want to call your family now?

10.  Some verbs are directly followed by a noun or
pronoun and then by an infinitive:
 I convinced Catherine to become vegetarian.
 He advised me to sell all my shares of stock.
 Some verbs can be followed by an infinitive or a
gerund without causing a change in meaning:
 Will you continue working after you give birth?
 Will you continue to work after you give birth?
 Some verbs can be followed by an infinitive or a
gerund but with a change in meaning:
 He stopped drinking coffee. (He never drank
coffee again.)
 He stopped to drink coffee. (He stopped what he
was doing and drank some coffee.)

11. SOME EXERCISES
 Put in the verbs in brackets in
the Gerund or the infinitive.
 We decided (buy) a new car.
 They've got some work (do).
 Peter gave up (smoke) .
 He'd like (fly) an aeroplane.
 I enjoy (write) picture
postcards.
 Do you know what (do) if
there's a fire in the shop?
 Avoid (make) silly mistakes.
 My parents wanted
me (be) home at 11 o'clock.
 I dream about (build) a big
house.
 I'm hoping (see) Lisa.