Gerunds and Infinitives

What is a Gerund?

A gerund is a noun made from a verb. To make a gerund, you add "-ing" to the verb.

For example:

In the sentence "I swim every day", the word "swim" is a verb.

In the sentence "I like swimming", the word "swimming" is a noun.

Therefore, "swimming" is a gerund.

Second example:

In the sentence "She reads several books a week", the word "read" is a verb.

In the sentence "Reading is important", the word "reading" is a noun.

Therefore, "reading" is a gerund.

More examples of gerunds: buying, fishing, running, watching, telling, and so forth.

The word "gerund" actually comes from the Latin word gerere, which means "do".

You could say this actually makes sense: the gerund describes an action, something you do.

Gerunds are often used when actions are real or completed.

Examples:

• She stopped smoking.
• I finished doing my homework.
• They keep on fighting.
• We discussed moving to Florida.
• You recommended waiting until tomorrow.
• He recalled falling asleep on the couch.
• She practices playing those drums all the time.
• John finished fixing the car.
• The job involves dealing with animals.
• Brian mentioned staying up late.
• They suggested not keeping the luggage.
• We started working on this yesterday.

What is an Infinitive?

An infinitive is the basic form of the verb + "to".

Examples: to buy, to fish, to run, to watch, to tell, and so forth.

Example Sentences:

"I want to swim."

"They asked us to leave."

"To be, or not to be – that is the question."

"The goal is to win."

The word "infinitive" comes form the Latin word infinitus, from in- (not) and finitus (finished, limited).

Examples:

• Kate agreed to come.
• I hope to see you soon.
• We plan to finish this shortly.
• They decided to return home.
• She promised to stop smoking.
• We agreed never to talk about it again.
• He offered to sell the house.
• I refuse to pay!
• You seem to be disappointed.
• She asked him not to leave.
• I want to drink.
• They need to get up early.