Infinitive and Gerund in English

The infinitive in English is the basic form of a verb that does not change in tense, person or number. Often used with the particle “to“, for example “to run”, “to eat”, “to think”, but can also be used without it after some verbs, adjectives and other parts of speech.

Gerund in English is a noun formed from a verb by adding “-ing“. It is used to express actions or states occurring simultaneously with the actions described in the sentence. For example, “Reading helps to expand knowledge” – here “reading” is a gerund, a form of the verb “read”, acting as the subject of the sentence.

Infinitive in English

The infinitive is one of the main verb forms in the English language. It is the base form of verbs and is used to convey an action or state that does not depend on a specific person or number. The infinitive can be used as an independent form, as well as in combination with other verbs, adjectives and nouns. Let’s take a closer look at examples of its use.

Examples of using the infinitive:

1. Infinitive as an independent form:
   • To swim
   • To read
   • To eat
2. Infinitive in conjunction with verbs:
   • I want to learn English
   • She decided to quit her job
   • They need to buy groceries
3. Infinitive in combination with adjectives:
   • It’s important to study regularly
   • She was excited to meet her favorite singer
4. Infinitive in combination with nouns:
   • He has a desire to travel the world
   • She made an attempt to solve the puzzle

Gerund in English

The gerund is one form of verb in English that is used as a noun. It is formed by adding the ending -ing to the base of the verb. The gerund can perform the role of subject, object, circumstance, and other roles in a sentence. Let’s look at examples of the use of the gerund.

Examples of the use of the gerund:

1. Gerund as subject:
   • Swimming is good for your health
   • Singing brings me joy
2. Gerund as an adjunct:
   • She enjoys reading books
   • They don’t mind watching movies at home
3. Gerund as a condition:
   • He left without saying goodbye.
   • She achieved success by working hard.
4. Gerund as other roles:
   • I need help with cleaning the house
   • They are interested in learning new languages

Gerund/Infinitive | A test of 30 questions

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Practice. Infinitive, gerund

Everyone hopes ____ themselves on holiday but it isn’t always easy

to enjoy

be enjoyed

enjoy

enjoying

“My mother was so helpful while she was staying with us. What _____ to do?

did she help you

does she help you

will she help you

was she helping you

There were _____ people at the party! There was nowhere to dance

so many

such a

such

so much

What _____ you to do? She (the doctor) told me to stay in bed for a few days

did she tell

is she going to tell

will she tell

does she tell

I went to the shops _____ some shoes

to buy

buy

for to buy

for buy

When we arrived, the people next door invited us _____ a drink with them.

having

have

to had

to have

I enjoy _____ places I’ve never been to before

to visit

visiting

visit

visits

What _____ to do tonight? What about going out for a meal?

would you like

do you like

are liking

will you like

We decided _____ a house with a swimming pool.

to renting

rent

to rent

renting

A present! For me? You’re _____ kind!

such

so

such a

so many

I’ve spent _____ money this week! I don’t know where it’s all gone

so many

so

such

so much

They refuse _____ out on trips if it’s too hot

to going

going

to go

go

Was your father _____ when you told him your exam results? He was furious.

annoyed

frightened

tired

worrying

What _____ to do? I’m looking for my contact lens. Can you see it?

did you try

are you trying

do you try

will you try

They prefer _____ in a swimming pool all day

playing

to play

plays

to playing

Last year we managed _____ a holiday that suited everyone

found

to find

finding

find

We began _____ about next year’s holiday two months ago

talks

talking

talk

talked

He told me he loved me. I didn’t know what _____.

say

saying

to say

will I say

A woman from a travel agency helped us _____ a nice house

chooses

choosing

to choose

too choose

Jane and Pete are _____ nice people! But I can’t stand their kids

such a

so

such

so many

What _____ to do after university? I’d like to get a job in publishing

are you going to hope

do you hope

will you hope

are you hope

When I was young, I _____ ice-skating

used to go

go

going

went to

I’ll help you. What _____ me to do? Could you do the washing-up while I am doing the cooking?

are you wanting

you want

did you want

do you want

Do you enjoy _____?

dancing

to dance

danced

dance

Their house is _____ mess! I don’t know how they live in it

so

such a

such an

so many

But my children hate _____.

sightsee

to sightsee

will sightsee

sightseeing

My wife and I are starting _____ we should stay at home.

thinking

thought

to think

think

I’m _____ hungry. I could eat a horse

so

such

so much

such a

I’d like _____ somewhere different for a change

going

went

go

to go

My family is trying _____ where to go on holiday

decided

decide

to decide

deciding

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