Introduction to Infinitives and Gerunds :
A. Infinitives :
Definition: The infinitive form of a verb is "to" + base verb (e.g., to eat, to play, to go).
• Example Sentences:
I want to eat pizza.
She likes to play soccer.
B. Gerunds :
Definition: The gerund form of a verb is the base verb + “-ing” (e.g., eating, playing, going).
• Example Sentences:
I enjoy eating pizza.
She loves playing soccer.
C. Key Differences :
Infinitives can express purpose or intention (e.g., I went to the store to buy milk).
Gerunds often express activities or actions (e.g., Swimming is fun)
When to Use Infinitives and Gerunds ?
A. Verbs Followed by Infinitives: Some verbs are followed by the infinitive form.
Here are some common examples: want, need, plan, hope, decide.
• Example Sentences:
I want to learn English.
She decided to travel to France.
B. Verbs Followed by Gerunds: Some verbs are followed by the gerund form.
Here are some common examples: enjoy, finish, avoid, like, love.
• Example Sentences:
I enjoy reading books.
He avoids eating junk food.
C. Some Verbs Can Take Both: Some verbs can be followed by either infinitives or gerunds but may have different meanings.
Here are a few examples: stop, remember, forget.
• Example Sentences:
I stopped smoking. (I no longer smoke.)
I stopped to smoke. (I stopped what I was doing to have a cigarette.)